About two percent of the world's population is composed of twins, and at least seven pairs will compete for the gold at the recently opened Tokyo Olympics.
For two weeks, the global sporting event in Japan will be observing strict COVID-19 safety protocols, barring families and friends from flying into the country to watch the games live. However, for twins competing in the games, they will automatically have their best friend at the venues, and some pairs might even vie for the medal against each other.
British 16-year-old twin sisters Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova love that they will be with each other 24/7 at the Tokyo Olympics as part of Team Great Britain's gymnastic squad. Jessica was first to know that she qualified for the games in May and felt the nerves when Jennifer has yet to learn of her fate.
But 20 minutes after her twin sister received the confirmation, Jennifer also learned she was going to Tokyo. The sisters said that this had been their longstanding dream, like many Olympic competitors. Despite the pandemic circumstances, the twins said this had been an amazing year for them so far.
This will be the Gadoriva sisters' first time to represent their country together, and they are equally thrilled to be competing against Team USA's Simone Biles, who won four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Swimming Twins, Boxing Brothers
France's twin sisters Laura and Charlotte Tremble are going to represent their country in the synchronized swimming competition. Charlotte said that they both love the sport they chose because they can swim and perform together.
Twin brothers Pat and Luke McCormack will compete in boxing, and both have one goal for the Tokyo Olympics: to become the first British brothers to ever win gold. According to The Sun, Pat is already an early favorite and has been regarded as the standout fighter for the boxing squad.
Another pair of twins from Team Great Britain is composed of Adam and Simon Yates, who will be competing at the men's road race. Simon almost didn't make it to Tokyo Olympics as he was in the Tour de France crash last June. Thankfully, his wounds were superficial, which gave him enough time to recover and join his brother for their four-man team. The last time Team GB won a medal for this competition was in 1996.
Gymnastics: Returning Twins Vs. First-Timers
This will be the second time Team Netherlands's twin gymnasts, Sanne and Lieke Wevers, will compete at the Tokyo Olympics. Sanne won the gold for a perfect balance beam performance in Rio. Sanne said in one TV interview that she and Lieke are equally good, but she did way better at the last Olympics.
Italy's twin girls Asia and Alice D'Amato, are also going to compete in gymnastics. Though Tokyo is their first Olympics, the pair have represented their country at the 2019 World Championships.
Also, first-timers at the Olympics are Russia's Dina and Arina Averina. They will be wowing the judges in rhythmic gymnastics with their different presentations. The Averina sisters said that they think their opposite personalities will help them stand out with the judges.
