Where to watch the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Australia

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games finally kick off this week. Given most of us can’t be there, here’s how to watch the historic 17-day event on TV.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games begins this week with millions of people around the world expected to tune in for the historic 17-day event.

The Opening Ceremony will be screened from 8.30pm AEST on Friday Channel 7 and 7plus.

The Seven Network is the official network of the Olympic Games with 45 dedicated channels to the event.

Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr will cross live each morning to Mark Beretta, who will be at the centre of all the action at Olympic Stadium.

This year’s games is set to look very different amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

A third state of emergency was declared in Japan’s capital and will remain in effect until August 22 due to a surge in Covid cases.

Channel 7 is the official network of the Olympic Games. Hamish McLachlan and Abbey Gelmi for Channel 7 Olympics coverage.

Natalie Barr with David “Kochie” Koch (right). Picture: Sam Ruttyn

While the Olympics is usually buzzing with tourists and draws in large international crowds, this year will have a different atmosphere as spectators are banned and officials will enforce strict health regulations and social distancing where possible.

“Taking into consideration the impact of the Delta strain, and in order to prevent the resurgence of infections from spreading across the country, we need to step up virus prevention measures,” Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said earlier this month.

The Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony will take place from 9pm AEST on Sunday, August 8 at Olympic Stadium.

Viewers can watch the Olympics live and free on Channel 7, 7mate, 7two and 7plus, from 5.30am AEST on weekdays and 6am AEST on weekends.