Mandalit del Barco

NPR's team in Tokyo put together our favorite moments of the Games, where participants showed their athleticism, sportsmanship, and what motivated them to compete.

The new film CODA tells the story of a hearing daughter living with her deaf family. It represents a breakthrough for deaf representation on screen and it stars acclaimed actor Troy Kotsur.

Karate is one of the new sports added to the Olympics for the first time at the Tokyo Games. The sport traces its roots to Japan where it was developed 700 years ago.

Karate made its debut at the Tokyo Olympics. It's a sport that traces its roots to Japan and karate experts (and fans) across Tokyo have cheered its inclusion at the Games.

On several street corners around the Tokyo Olympic media press center and at several venues, you find people shooting pictures. Not of the athletes or journalists, but of the buses they ride in.

Japan won its third skateboarding gold in the sport's Olympic debut. 19-year-old Sakura Yosozumi earned gold and 12-year-old teammate Kokona Hiraki won silver. Britain's Sky Brown, 13, won the bronze.

Skateboarding's youngest Olympian is 13-year-old Brit Sky Brown. Not only is she a skater, she's been on "Dancing with the Stars," recorded a song and music video, and wrote a book about girl power.

For the past year, polls in Japan showed overwhelming opposition to the Tokyo Olympics as the pandemic raged around the world. Now, with the Games underway, some residents are changing their opinions.

The U.S. defeated Japan 86-69 in group play. It's a record 51st straight win for the top-ranked U.S. dating to the 1992 Games. The Americans are going for their 7th straight Olympic gold medal.

This competition was initially defined by who wasn't competing. U.S. star Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast of all time and the heavy favorite to win, pulled out to take care of her mental health.

Olympic organizers say another 24 Games-related personnel have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past day. Since July 1, 193 people linked to the Games have received positive test results.

Biles' teammates applauded her decision to take care of her mental well-being. But she's not the only athlete who has spoken about the pressures of performing at the Games.

Simone Biles has withdrawn from two women's gymnastics events, saying the Olympics have been "really stressful." On Wednesday, she withdrew from the individual all-around final.

Carissa Moore is the first woman to ever win a gold medal in surfing, which is making its Olympic debut in Tokyo. "The ocean has changed my life and I can't imagine my life without it," Moore said.

Surfing often gives off an endless summer, meditative, chill vibe. But at the Olympics, athletes have to focus on skills, tricks and points, and, of course, looking for the perfect wave.

Yuto Horigome won the first ever Olympic Gold medal in skateboarding. He dazzled as he soared, flipped and glided in the very neighborhood in Tokyo where he grew up.

Skateboarding is one of four new sports added to the Olympics this year. For skateboarders who have long loved their rebel status, performing in the mainstream Olympics is just a bit different.

The Tokyo Summer Olympics were delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, a year later, the Games are set to officially begin with a subdued but celebratory opening ceremony.

The U.S, ranked No. 1 and the reigning World Cup champions, played a familiar foe: Sweden. And unfortunately for the U.S., it was a familiar result. Sweden beat them 3-0.

Chicano social justice activist and feminist writer Elizabeth Martinez died in San Francisco at 95. She was a fixture at marches and rallies and wrote books about the history of Chicanos and Chicanas.