International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound is uncertain whether the Tokyo Games will be able to go ahead.
After the Olympics were postponed in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, they have been rescheduled for this year, with events due to run in Japan's capital from July 23 to August 8.
However, COVID-19 has continued to surge globally with new variants of the virus forcing multiple countries back into lockdown situations.
The outcome of the debate about whether athletes are given priority access to vaccinations, which have just begun to be rolled out in major nations, could prove decisive.
"I can't be certain because the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus," Pound said, per BBC Sport, about whether the Games would go ahead.
The comments from Pound came as Japan declared a one-month state of emergency for Tokyo and surrounding regions.
"The situation has become increasingly troubling nationwide and we have a strong sense of crisis," said Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who had recently vowed to hold a "safe and secure" Olympics.
Pound, who is the longest-serving member of the committee, added the vaccine debate might be different in each competing nation.
He said to Sky News: "It is a decision for each country to make and there will be people saying they [athletes] are jumping the queue [for a vaccine].
"But I think that is the most realistic way of it going ahead.
"In Canada, where we might have 300 or 400 athletes, to take 300 or 400 vaccines out of several million in order to have Canada represented at an international event of this stature, character and level – I don't think there would be any kind of a public outcry about that.
"Athletes are important role models, and by taking the vaccine they can send a powerful message that vaccination is not only about personal health, but also about solidarity and consideration for the wellbeing of others in their communities."
SEC Field Athlete of the Week honour for Wayne Pinnock
Opening his outdoor season with a wind-aided mark of 8.44m to win the long jump at the LSU Invitational earned Razorback Wayne Pinnock the SEC Field Athlete of the Week honour, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday. This was Pinnock’s first competition since winning the NCAA Indoor long jump title in mid-March, when he improved his world-leading indoor mark to 8.40m.
Pinnock, the 2023 World Championships silver medalist, has been the world leader in the long jump since the 2023 outdoor season, with a leap of 8.54m from the World Championships qualification round. His winning effort at LSU is the 2024 outdoor world-leading performance under all-conditions as it was aided by a 5.8m/s wind. It also ranks him as the number-eight performer on the collegiate all-time list under all-conditions, which includes five wind-aided marks among the top 11 performers.
With only three jumps in his series, Pinnock opened with 8.15m that was assisted with a 7.1m/s wind. In the third round, with a 2.3 wind, Pinnock traveled 8.25m/s.
Jamaican thrower Rojé Stona earns invite to Green Bay Packers minicamp
Rojé Stona, the standout discus thrower from Jamaica, has received an invitation to the Green Bay Packers' minicamp, showcasing his potential as a professional football player despite his background solely in track and field.
Stona's achievements in 2024 have been remarkable, including a silver medal in NCAA Indoor shot put, setting a University of Arkansas indoor shot put record with a throw of 20.48m and achieving a career-best discus throw of 69.05m that surpasses the Paris Olympics standard.
At 6’ 6” and 263 lbs and known for his NFL body type and impressive athletic traits, Stona is venturing into the world of professional football without prior competitive experience in the sport. His background in discus and shot put has endowed him with explosive hips, exceptional core strength, long arms, and large hands—attributes that make him a compelling prospect as a tight end.
Despite his lack of football background, Stona's athleticism has caught the attention of NFL scouts. He performed well in running and jumping during his recent pro day, showcasing his raw potential. However, transitioning into football will require Stona to learn essential skills such as blocking and refining his route running and catching abilities.
As he embarks on this new journey, Stona is committed to proving himself and becoming a successful NFL player. His determination and physical gifts make him a promising candidate for teams looking to invest in an undrafted free agent with significant upside.
Stona's invitation to the Green Bay Packers' minicamp marks an exciting chapter in his athletic career, and he is poised to make the most of this opportunity as he pursues his dream of playing professional football.
Dina Asher-Smith thrilled to bits about first appearance in Jamaica at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational
British sprint sensation Dina Asher-Smith, the 2019 200m World Champion, is eagerly looking forward to her debut appearance in Jamaica as she prepares to compete at the inaugural Jamaica Athletics Invitational on May 11 at the National Stadium in Kingston.
The 28-year-old, who six months ago made a transition to train under renowned coach Eldrick Floreal alongside world indoor 60m champion Julien Alfred and Irish star Rhasidat Adeleke, expressed her excitement about racing in her father's birth country for the first time.
In a series of Instagram story posts, Asher-Smith shared her joy and anticipation for the upcoming event, revealing her enthusiasm and plans for her trip to Jamaica.
"I can't even begin to express how excited I am to be running in Jamaica for my next race," Asher-Smith wrote in one of her captions. "I've wanted to do this for so long. I feel like I can begin to get really really excited about it because it's now official next up."
Asher-Smith also detailed her preparations, expressing her plans for her nails and outfit for the occasion, along with her eagerness to explore and immerse herself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jamaican athletics.
Asher-Smith, whose mother Julie was born in London and father Winston hails from Jamaica, holds Jamaican and Trinidadian ancestry. Her participation in the Jamaica Athletics Invitational marks a significant milestone in her career, as she aims to make history as the first British female sprinter to win an individual Olympic medal.
With her sights set on achieving new milestones and making her mark on the global stage, Dina Asher-Smith's upcoming appearance in Jamaica promises to be a thrilling and memorable experience for both the athlete and her fans.
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