Soon after Olympic swimmer Lydia Jacoby won her first gold medal in 2021 at the Tokyo Games, she graced the winners’ podium in a white tracksuit, her red hair tied up in a bun and her face hidden – under an N95 mask. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the American athlete had to place the medal around her neck herself. With family members banned from attending, her parents watched her on TV from Florida.

What a difference three years makes. The pandemic is over and Paris will be hosting this year’s Summer Olympics. Fans from around the world can visit the Games, bursting with pride and encouragement for their favorite athletes.

This year’s Games may be more than just a welcome return of international sports. For two weeks, the world will enjoy a respite from global strife, bringing people together to cheer, laugh, and cry for good reasons. No talk there of elections, natural disasters, or what world leaders must do to fix problems. When the first Olympic competition starts in July, it will be a signal for celebration. And the winners can again bow their heads to let someone bestow a medal.