We’ve had football and Wimbledon, but now it’s time for the Games in Tokyo to take centre stage. While there are no spectators, the roar of the crowd will be as loud as ever on Twitter where fans come to connect with the sports they love.  

Six additional sports will join the 33 events on show in this year’s programme. We’re here to shed light on the up-and-coming athletes along with some Team GB players and global allstars appearing in Tokyo.

First up, there’s the long-awaited return of men’s baseball and women’s fastpitch softball. This summer, these two will appear alongside skateboarding, surfing, karate, and sport climbing, which are all making their debut. 

It’s a safe bet that Sky Brown (@skyandocean_) will dominate the spotlight for Team GB skateboarding this summer. She makes her appearance as the youngest professional skateboarder globally and becomes Team GB’s youngest ever summer Olympian at 13-years-old. Having secured a gold medal at the X Games earlier in July, @skyandocean_ is sure to mould history in the first-ever Olympic bowl. 

With audiences captivated by the sporting achievements in Tokyo, brands have the perfect opportunity to join the conversation.

When it comes to major events like #Tokyo2020 every run, jump, ride, swim or celebration can be a Tweet.

When it comes to the Olympics, every moment can be a Tweet.

Rounding off new sport additions is baseball and softball returning after a 13-year gap. Underdogs for baseball include the Dominican Republic with the country heading to the Olympics for only the second time ever in its history. Italy will be one of the six softball teams taking to the pitch with eyes on pitcher @greta_cecchetti. The pitching ace secured a win for the team in the European Softball Championship final. 

Follow Team GB

When it comes to Team GB, we’ve got who to follow on Twitter including hidden gems and big names. Sky Brown is just one of many teenagers heading to Tokyo for Great Britain. We also have 16-year-old European floor exercise champion Jessica Gadirova (@JessicaGadirova) and swimmer Jacob Whittle (@JacobWhittle11) — who compete for Team GB for the first time. 

Going the distance is marathon swimmer Alice Dearing (@alicedearingx). She will create history as the first Black woman to represent Team GB in an Olympic swimming event. 

Team GB returning stars include diving double world champion Tom Daley (@TomDaley1994), GB’s most successful track Olympic cyclist Laura Kenny (@LauraKenny31), and the fastest British female sprinter in record history, Dina Asher-Smith (@dinaashersmith).

Frazer Clarke (@BigFrazeBoxer) will also return as Team GB’s longest-serving boxing squad member, while @MarcusMepstead is en garde to represent fencing for Great Britain solely. 

Rest of the world

Finally, we can’t ignore the global stars also in Tokyo this summer. Radiant in personal and professional avenues, @Simone_Biles, who has her own Twitter emoji, is set to take the floor for Team USA as the most decorated American gymnast. Reigning world 200m champion track and field all-star, @LylesNoah, is a Team USA favourite for the 100m event. 

Closer to home, France’s not so hidden gem, @teddyriner, will reappear this summer, hoping to bag a third gold medal in Judo.

World record marathon runner @EliudKipchoge will feature in the long-distance running for Kenya, while Japan’s very own @naomiosaka will serve skills on the tennis court as the No.1 rank in the Women’s Tennis Association. 

You can find all of the athletes we have mentioned in our Who To Follow at #Tokyo2020 list here.

While it might not be safe to watch from the stands just yet, it’s safe to say these athletes will provide the summer of sports some of us dreamed about. Regardless of who you’re rooting for this summer: Keep up with the conversation on Twitter. 

Every Moment Can Be A Tweet