One of the primary promotional
elements of the soon-to-conclude Tokyo Olympics has been its pop culture, from
its videogames to its manga and anime. Manga artists created visuals for the
Games’ reference material. Videogame music was used during the parade of
nations at the Opening Ceremony. If not for the pandemic severely limiting the
number of people who could watch the events, there might have been more poppy
stuff the organizers could throw at them. But it is not all the Olympics
throwing anime references throughout the Games period. Even the Olympians
themselves are making anime gestures that have since gone viral on social
media.
Comic Book Resources has the rather unusual but fun story of Olympic
athletes sending up famous Japanese manga and anime “One Piece” as they compete
in their respective sporting events. Both took place during the track and field
portions of the Games. First it was a Greek long jumper; then it was an
American shot putter. As they took their spot to compete they did poses that
would have made zero sense to any non-anime fan, but would have rung bells for
those who follow “One Piece.” Footage of both Olympians has since gone viral.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: Greek athlete uses Gear Second and wins Gold medal.
— Luffy Gang (@TheLuffyGang) August 2, 2021
Proud Moment For One Piece fans ❤️ pic.twitter.com/b6eK74nOlC
First, Miltiades Tentoglou of
Greece got things rolling during the men’s long jump finals on August 2. When
he came out during the presentation, standing before a screen displaying his
national flag, he bent down and forced his left fist into the ground. Tentoglou
would then jump to a Gold medal. In post-even interviews he was asked about his
unusual gesture, and he confirmed what watching anime fans realized when he
mentioned the main character of “One Piece,” Luffy, and how he copied the “Gear
Second” power-up that the character does in the anime series.
Bro I was watching Tokyo Olympics and Payton Otterdahl from the USA for shot put made Franky's pose
— just another guy (@Justotherartguy) August 5, 2021
He even screamed SUUUPEEERRR
One Piece is truly an inspiration pic.twitter.com/763wK0ddJi
This past Thursday, August 5
during the men’s shot put final, American shot putter Payton Otterdahl did his
own “One Piece” homage. Like Tentoglou, Otterdahl stood in front of a US flag
display. Then he raised his hands diagonally and clinked his forearms together
while mouthing “Super!” This was the signature pose and catchphrase of Franky,
a crewmate of Luffy in the Straw Hat Pirates. Not only did Otterdahl’s stunt
excite anime social media (though he only placed 10th), it also
caught the attention of the staff of mangaka Eiichiro Oda, creator of “One
Piece,” and they commented on it on their official Twitter page.
Dear USA shot putter; Payton Otterdahl
— ONE PIECEスタッフ【公式】 (@Eiichiro_Staff) August 5, 2021
We sincerely celebrate the activities of our "NAKAMA" around the world with the utmost respect for your efforts and achievements. pic.twitter.com/wSpnifZyK4
Image courtesy of Twitter
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