New Zealand’s teams have always faced the world as high-performing underdogs, including at the summer Olympic Games every four years. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were set to be no exception. With more athletes than ever preparing to participate, and a set of new Olympic sports like surfing offering more opportunities to show the world what we’re made of, the postponement of this Games was a disappointment for many of our athletes and Olympic followers alike. Nevertheless, the New Zealand Team carries on, striving to meet the challenge at the renewed dates in July and August 2021. To support our athletes and celebrate the milestone of 100 years since the first New Zealand Olympic Team set off to represent Kiwis on the world stage, we have issued a set of commemorative stamps focusing on six sports in which New Zealand athletes are preparing to participate.
Focus issue 70 - October 2020
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Although postponed to 2021, the Games will retain the moniker of Tokyo 2020. While much of the world is on hold, along with our athletes we look towards the future with this stamp issue. These stamps have been designed to reflect the New Zealand Team’s Tokyo 2020 campaign. Athletes are represented in a Japanese ink painting style, with the silhouettes of some of New Zealand’s Olympians. Do you recognise any of them?
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games collectables were issued on 7 October 2020. Stamps, miniature sheets and presentation packs are available now, as well as a range of commemorative coins. 3
