The Tokyo Olympics could take place with no spectators in attendance if the Japanese capital is placed into another state of emergency, the nation's prime minister Yoshihide Suga has said.
Japan is moving ahead with plans to host the Games, which were postponed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, despite strong public opposition and warnings from health officials that crowds could lead to increased infection rates.
International fans are already banned from attending, with a decision on domestic spectators due to be taken on Monday.
On Sunday, the state of emergency that had been imposed on Tokyo and eight other prefectures was lifted, though looser restrictions remain in place until July 11.
Speaking to reporters at a vaccination centre, Suga said: "In the event a state of emergency was declared then we can't rule out not having spectators.
"I think that's obvious from the standpoint of making safety and security our utmost priority."
There were 376 new positive tests for COVID-19 reported in Tokyo on Sunday, an increase on the 304 a week prior. The seven-day average in the capital also rose to 388 from 384.1.
Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto and Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto are due to hold a news conference later on Monday after the culmination of talks surrounding domestic fans.
Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville eager for clash with 100 World Champion Noah Lyles at Racers Grand Prix
Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville is gearing up for an electrifying showdown against world champion Noah Lyles at the upcoming Racers Grand Prix on June 1, setting the stage for a thrilling test of readiness ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Seville, who finished fourth at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest where Lyles clinched his first 100m world title, is optimistic about his chances this season, having managed to steer clear of injury thus far. Seville's coach, Glen Mills, revealed earlier this year that an injury at a crucial stage last season hindered Seville's performance in Budapest, where he clocked 9.88 seconds, narrowly missing out on a medal.
Reflecting on his preparation for the upcoming races, Seville expressed confidence in his improved health and training regimen this season. "This year I have taken some drastic steps with regards to my injuries and injury management. I am cautious with what I'm doing so I am healthy at this point, and everything is going well," Seville explained at Tuesday's launch of the Racers Grand Prix at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.
Seville's recent performances, including a 47.44-second 400m and a 20.17-second 200m, demonstrate his dedication and hard work leading into this pivotal season. "The 47.44 and the 20.17 that I ran show my dedication and hard work, so it is a possibility that I can make it onto the medal podium if things work out as planned," Seville remarked.
“Last year, I didn’t get to train the way I really wanted to but this year I got to train the way I wanted so everything is working out. I am stronger because I have got more chances training wise to do things I didn’t get the chance to do last year because of some niggles that I had.
“I had some issues with my back and stuff which caused me not to be able to lift weights as much as I could but I got it sorted out now and I am good.”
Looking ahead to the Racers Grand Prix, where he will face off against Lyles and training partner Zharnel Hughes, Seville expressed excitement about the opportunity to race against the world's best. "The last time I competed against Lyles was at the World Championship finals, so it's good to run with him before the Olympics to get a feel of what is to come," Seville emphasized.
The clash between Seville, Lyles, and Hughes at the Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Kingston, promises to be a thrilling preview of what's in store for the Olympic Games in Paris, as Seville aims to secure his first global medal.
On this day 2013: Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy announces retirement
Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy announced his retirement from competitive cycling 11 years ago, admitting: “I know it is the right decision.”
The 37-year-old Scot had been contemplating continuing until the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but revealed he was quitting the sport at a press conference in Edinburgh on April 18, 2013.
Hoy was Britain’s most decorated Olympian after his haul of two gold medals at London 2012 saw him surpass rower Sir Steve Redgrave’s record of five, although he was overtaken by former team-mate Sir Jason Kenny in 2021.
In explaining his decision, Hoy said: “I think in sport at the highest level you’re dealing in such small margins and you can tell when you’re good but not good enough.
“It was very emotional coming in there (to the press conference) and I was trying not to watch the video montage with the sad music.
“I don’t want it to be a sad moment.
“I want to celebrate it and be happy because I know it is the right decision.
“It’s a decision that I didn’t take lightly and I thought about it very hard.”
As well as six Olympic titles, Hoy’s 13-year career featured 11 world titles and two Commonwealth crowns.
Hoy’s final race was the Olympic Keirin final on August 7, 2012 – on the final day of the London 2012 track programme.
Following retirement, Hoy pursued his passion for motorsport, including competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours, while he has also written children’s books.
In February 2024, the 48-year-old announced he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Olympic champion Hansle Parchment extends brand ambassador partnership with GraceKennedy: Hurdler to display brand's logo on Diamond League circuit for the first time
Jamaican Olympic gold medalist and world-renowned hurdler, Hansle Parchment, has extended his brand ambassador partnership with GraceKennedy (GK), marking a significant milestone in their longstanding collaboration.
The renewed partnership not only solidifies the strong relationship between these two Jamaican powerhouses but also introduces an exciting development in athletic sponsorship. For the first time in the history of the World Athletics Diamond League, Hansle Parchment's competition attire will prominently feature the iconic Grace logo.
Bruce James, Chairman of World Class Athletics Limited, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this partnership, highlighting that it marks the first instance where a Caribbean brand will be prominently displayed on the running kit of a competing athlete in the prestigious Diamond League.
Don Wehby, Group CEO of GraceKennedy, expressed enthusiasm about the extended partnership, which originally began in 2013. "Hansle perfectly symbolizes the values of excellence, resilience, and dedication that embody the GraceKennedy and Jamaican spirit," said Wehby. "We are incredibly proud to support him as he continues to inspire Jamaicans and the world with his phenomenal talent."
Wehby also noted the significance of having the GraceKennedy brand showcased on a global platform like the Diamond League, calling it a historic moment for athlete sponsorship and Caribbean brand visibility in the international sporting arena.
In response, Hansle Parchment conveyed his excitement for the continued collaboration, pledging to represent the GraceKennedy brand with pride. "I am honoured to represent GraceKennedy, a brand that is synonymous with Jamaica and has been a pillar of our community for generations," said Parchment. "This new chapter in our partnership allows me to carry the GK legacy with me onto the world stage, showcasing Jamaican excellence alongside a company that shares the same values."
The extended partnership between Hansle Parchment and GraceKennedy signifies a strong commitment to promoting Jamaican talent and values on a global scale, underscoring the enduring impact of sport in fostering national pride and corporate success.
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