The Tokyo Olympics 2020 is finally among us – China Daily reporter Wang Xu checks-in from the press center at the Olympics ground in Tokyo to provide updates on the pandemic situation, and the general atmosphere with the athletes and organizers at an unprecedented Olympics Games.
The greatest international event is set to kick off without the hosts present, as competition will take place without spectators for the most part. No tourists (both local and foreign) will be roaming the grounds enjoying Olympics fiesta as would normally be the case, as the coronavirus pandemic shadow looms over the Games.
The atmosphere here is actually quite light, but Olympics officials are working to ensure that all the athletes are able to compete even if cases come up.
Wang Xu, China Daily reporter in Tokyo
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“The atmosphere here is actually quite light, but Olympics officials are working to ensure that all the athletes are able to compete even if cases come up,” Wang said. Wang referred to a “playbook” that has been distributed to all team members – a strict set of rules on pandemic protocols.
Hong Kong sports fans have high hopes for podium places, as the city is sending its largest team of contestants ever. Veteran track cyclist, Sarah Lee Wai-sze, is a key athlete the city is keeping an eye on for medal hopes. Another, according to Wang, is gymnastics star Stone Shek Wai-hung, an apt name for the burly two-time Asian gold medalist.
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“He didn’t get to go to the Rio Olympics last time due to injuries, but he has recovered very well, and he has strength and form with solid podium results in the last several years”, Wang said.
azamkhan@chinadailyhk.com