Infected Olympians cast doubt on competition schedule and virus response
What began as a trickle of infections among athletes and staff has turned into a steady stream just days before the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games, with COVID-19 threatening to derail the competition schedule and casting doubt on the ability of organizers to handle the situation if it continues to worsen.
Not only is it unclear whether athletes who test positive will be allowed to compete after they recover, the stark discrepancy between protocols for close contacts among participants in the Games and those for the rest of Japan is drawing criticism.
Organizers insist the “bubble” meant to protect residents from athletes, staff and other people connected to the Games — and vice versa — remains intact, even as the list of cases continues to grow with less than two days until the opening ceremony on Friday evening.
“There will be nobody who tests PCR positive who will be on the field of play,” Brian McCloskey, chair of the International Olympic Committee’s panel in charge of coronavirus countermeasures during the Tokyo Games, said at a news conference Monday, referring to polymerase chain reaction tests.
As of Wednesday, 75 cases of COVID-19 had been reported among athletes and staff, including more recently a volunteer — the first since organizers began compiling figures on July 1.
The Chilean Olympic Committee announced Wednesday that one of its athletes — female taekwondo athlete Fernanda Aguirre — will forfeit after testing positive, the first athlete to withdraw from the Games due to the virus.
Infections have been detected among participants before their scheduled departure from their home country, after they landed in Japan and after they arrived at the Olympic Village, a 44-hectare site on Tokyo’s Harumi Waterfront where thousands of athletes will spend most of their time.
CNN - Nov 23
He may have retired from professional baseball four years ago, but Ichiro Suzuki certainly hasn’t lost his appetite for the game.
Kyodo - Nov 21
Ozeki Kirishima picked up his eighth win on the 10th day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, leaving him in a four-way tie for the lead Tuesday.
News On Japan - Nov 20
An accident involving four motorbikes while racing on the Suzuka Circuit in central Japan on Sunday has left one rider dead.
asiarugby.com - Nov 20
There was double delight for Japan as both the men’s and women’s team became the final regional qualifiers for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with victory in the Asia Rugby qualification tournament in Osaka.
FIA World Rally Championship - Nov 20
Toyota 1-2-3 victory at home! Watch full highlights and exclusive onboard footage
itrwrestling.com - Nov 18
Having accomplished everything there is to achieve in NJPW multiple times and being widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world today, there would certainly be a lot of buzz generated if The Rainmaker joined the largest wrestling promotion in the world.
Red Bull Rally - Nov 18
Torrential rainfall, thick fog and roads covered with damp leaves were just some of the challenges faced by crews at the FORUM8 Rally Japan, the season finale.
newsonjapan.com - Nov 15
Defender of Agdam “Qarabag” and the Azerbaijani national football team Bahlul Mustafazadeh answered questions from an azerisport.com correspondent.
tennis.com - Nov 14
Naomi Osaka's latest Nike collection is paying tribute to her heritage and experiences. The former world No. 1's latest Nike collection is inspired by New York and Japan, two places near and dear to her heart.
Sumostew - Nov 12
There are a lot of new wrestlers in Grand Sumo Wrestling to get to know this year. This November Kyushu Basho 2023, there are 4 sumo wrestlers in Makuuchi (sumo top division) that are making their debut.
NHK - Nov 08
Japanese baseball superstar Ohtani Shohei has officially become an unrestricted free agent and is capable of signing with any Major League team.
News On Japan - Nov 05
In the first matchup between two Kansai teams in 59 years, Hanshin Tigers beat Orix Buffaloes 7-1 in game 7 of the Japan Series, claiming their second championship since 1985 and the first in 38 years.
Kyodo - Nov 03
Shohei Ohtani was selected as the American League's Outstanding Player by his peers for the second time in this year's Players Choice Awards announced Thursday.
Ben Gravy - Nov 01
Right now we're in Japan at one of the best wave pools in the world.
Kyodo - Oct 31
Yuma Mune doubled in two runs and Yuma Tongu hit a solo home run as the Orix Buffaloes edged the Hanshin Tigers 5-4 in Tuesday's Game 3 to lead the best-of-seven Japan Series two games to one.
NHK - Oct 31
Teenage Japanese "Go" player Nakamura Sumire says she has decided to shift her base of professional activity to South Korea as she finds it necessary for her to study the game in a more competitive environment.