Tokyo Olympics organising committee chief Toshiro Muto has not ruled out cancelling the Games at the last minute should there be a surge in coronavirus cases.
Officials announced a further nine positive cases among those linked to the Games on Tuesday, taking the overall number of people infected since the start of July to 71.
That total includes South Africa's men's footballers Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi testing positive while inside the athletes' village over the weekend.
A number of other athletes have been forced to isolate after coming into close contact with an individual that has contracted the disease.
With just three days to go until the global sporting event's opening ceremony, and with the first events starting as soon as Wednesday, director general Muto will continue monitoring infection levels in the hope they do not spiral out of control.
"We can't predict what will happen with the number of coronavirus cases. So we will continue discussions if there is a spike in cases," he said at a news conference.
"We have agreed that based on the coronavirus situation, we will convene five-party talks again.
"At this point, the coronavirus cases may rise or fall, so we will think about what we should do when the situation arises."
Around 11,000 athletes from 205 national Olympic committees are expected to stay at the Olympic Village over the next three weeks.
The 2020 Games, delayed by a year due to the global health pandemic, will be held mostly without spectators due to a state of emergency being declared in Tokyo.
The number of new coronavirus cases in the Japanese capital topped 1,000 for five days running before dropping to 727 on Monday.
Amid concerns from the wider population over the Games going ahead, Japan's chef de mission Tsuyoshi Fukui insisted a number of safety measures are in place to stop the virus spreading.
"Under these circumstances, we must admit that COVID-19 is not subsiding," Fukui said on Tuesday. "We have to pay tribute to many people that enabled us to start the Games.
"We will give our utmost efforts so that the athletes can do their best. We will, as Team Japan, never forget the sense of appreciation. As of Monday night, the Japanese athletes staying at the Athletes' Village is 236.
"We have seen more and more athletes from other nations enter the Village, but there are rigorous COVID-19 countermeasures enforced and so far, there has been no major issues.
"Including myself, athletes and other members are taking antigen tests every day, as well as using an app to monitor our health situations.
"Every time we enter the Athletes' Village, our temperatures are checked, and we disinfect our hands.
"In the dining hall, each seat is separated by acrylic boards. Also, everyone is also wearing face masks – so we have a strong sense that rigorous measures against the spread of COVID-19 are in place by the organising committee."
He added: "There are various opinions regarding the Games and we are aware of that. We would like to earnestly listen to and take these opinions into account, but at the same time the mission of the Japanese delegations is to establish an environment where an athlete could focus on sports.
"So through sports we want to deliver hope and bravery and to make sure that each athlete can do their best in their performance."
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas reveals career-saving surgery, eyes return to top form
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas, a promising talent who has seen his career hampered by injuries, on Sunday revealed that he underwent surgery on October 21 to address a persistent foot issue. The procedure, known as an osteophytectomy, involved the removal of a bone spur that had been causing severe discomfort and pain in his Achilles tendon and lower heel, limiting his ability to train and perform at his best.
Thomas, who has made significant strides in his athletic career despite facing recurring injuries, expressed gratitude for the medical support he’s received. Under the guidance of Dr. John Thompson, a specialist who has overseen his rehabilitation since March, Thomas has worked through rigorous physical therapy and orthopedic care to manage his injury. However, as the pain continued to affect his performance, surgery became necessary to give him the best chance at a full recovery.
“This past year working with Dr. Thompson has been monumental,” Thomas shared on social media. “Since March, Dr. Thompson’s overseeing of my injury through physical therapy, orthopedic care, and lastly surgical procedure has been a driving force in allowing me to finish the previous season and set myself up for a new future. I am thankful.”
The 24-year-old hurdler, who specializes in the 110m and 60m hurdles, has a decorated history in athletics. A former Louisiana State University (LSU) standout, Thomas won the 2021 NCAA Indoor 60m hurdle title, setting a school record and becoming the fifth-fastest hurdler in NCAA history. In 2018, he equaled the junior world record of 12.99 seconds in the 110m hurdles, a feat that positioned him as one of the most promising young hurdlers globally. Thomas also represented Jamaica at the Tokyo Olympics, advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 13.39 seconds in the 110m hurdles.
In early 2024, Thomas was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Despite his impressive achievements, ongoing injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential on the international stage.
With the surgery now behind him, Thomas is focused on recovery and a strong comeback. His determination to overcome setbacks highlights his commitment to his sport, and fans are hopeful that the procedure will enable him to return to peak form in the coming season.
Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson awarded nation’s highest honour
Paris Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson was conferred with Dominica’s highest honour, the Dominica Honour Award, on Sunday in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in 2024. LaFond-Gadson, who made history by becoming Dominica’s first Olympic medalist with her gold in the triple jump in Paris, also won the triple jump title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier in March. Each of these remarkable victories marked a historic first for a Dominican athlete, solidifying her legacy as one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt had previously announced that LaFond-Gadson would be honoured with the Dominica Honour Award during her visit to the island shortly after the Olympics. The formal recognition took place during the National Parade, where the Prime Minister addressed the nation, and all honorees were celebrated for their contributions to Dominica.
The Dominica Honour Award is presented annually during the Independence Day Rally to individuals who have significantly impacted the nation’s landscape. This year, LaFond-Gadson was one of 18 Dominicans and international honorees recognized. The award was presented by Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, in a ceremony that highlighted LaFond-Gadson’s exceptional achievements and the pride she has inspired across the nation.
Speaking to the media after receiving the award, LaFond-Gadson expressed that the honour was her “greatest achievement ever” and encouraged young Dominicans to pursue their dreams with dedication and passion.
The celebration of LaFond-Gadson’s accomplishments does not end with Sunday’s parade. A luncheon hosted by a private sector organization was scheduled for Monday in her honour, extending the nation’s gratitude for her contributions. Her recognition comes in addition to being named a Sports Ambassador two months ago, along with receiving a $400,000 gift and a land grant from the government.
Prime Minister Skerritt, in his address, acknowledged the immense pride that LaFond-Gadson has brought to Dominica, calling her achievements a source of inspiration for the entire nation. With her historic Olympic victory and her continued dedication to her country, Thea LaFond-Gadson has undoubtedly secured her place as a Dominican icon.
'A true honour': Long jumper Wayne Pinnock hails CWC Foundation fundraising gala a testament to the power of community support
Jamaica’s rising long jump star, Wayne Pinnock, expressed deep gratitude and pride at being among the main cast at the Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation Fundraising Gala held on the Seafair Luxury Yacht in Miami on Friday.
Pinnock, who recently took the track and field world by storm with his silver medal performances at the 2023 World Championship and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was among an illustrious group of Caribbean athletes that gathered on the yacht to play their part in empowering communities and creating positive change.
The 24-year-old Pinnock was joined by Jamaican sprint legends Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson, rising star Charokee Young, and Bahamian sprint hurdler Devynne Charlton. Together, they represented the strength, resilience, and achievements of Caribbean athletes on the global stage.
Speaking warmly about the event, dubbed an evening of elegance and philanthropy, Pinnock shared how honored he felt to participate in the gala, which raised crucial funds for causes close to his heart.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to this amazing event and for using me as an inspiration for the elegance and philanthropy gala. Being able to attend such a stunning event in support of an important cause was a true honour,” Pinnock said in a social media post.
The Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation has long been committed to supporting education, healthcare, and community projects across the Caribbean.
For Pinnock and his fellow athletes, the foundation’s mission resonates deeply, as they fully understand the importance of giving back and the impact that support can have on young people’s lives.
In fact, he pointed out that the gala was more than an evening of glamour—it was a reminder of his journey, a celebration of the Caribbean spirit, and a powerful opportunity to give back to the region that shaped him.
“Warmth, vision, and a common dedication to supporting Caribbean athletes as they strive for their Olympic aspirations characterized the remarkable evening. I’m incredibly appreciative of the chance to be around these driven, committed people. Once again, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of this night that will never be forgotten and for your dedication to changing the world,” Pinnock noted.
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