Organisers of the troubled Tokyo Olympics are facing a new headache with the prospect of an incoming typhoon early in the Games.
Monday's rowing events have already been moved to Sunday, to guard against the possibility of the powerful storm hitting Japan's capital.
Masa Takaya, spokesperson for the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, addressed the threat posed by the tropical cyclone after it was confirmed there was "adverse weather" expected on Monday.
He said the issue had been "discussed in crisis management", with the typhoon currently off shore but heading in the general direction of Tokyo, according to some forecasts.
"Unlike an earthquake, we are able to predict the path of a typhoon, therefore we can prepare in advance," Takaya added.
"Especially when it comes to rowing, as a preventative measure we have decided to change the schedule.
"For the athlete we understand it is going to be a substantial burden; however, this is a case that has been experienced in past Olympics Games as well.
"But of course we are looking very closely at the path of the typhoon to ensure there are decisions made as a preventive measure."
Already delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and taking place largely behind closed doors, the Tokyo Games got under way in unprecedented circumstances.
A major storm, particularly one that might cause damage and even a threat to human life, would be another daunting hurdle that organisers would need to be ready for.
Sailing and surfing are among other sports on Monday's schedule.
Takaya added: "Should a typhoon make landfall there could be damages both human and also physical damages. When that should be the case, we would take responsible measures.
"As to what will happen in the days ahead, we are not able to accurately predict. At this point, I will not be able to inform you exactly as to what [action] precisely will be taken."
Caribbean sailors miss out on medals in Men’s and Women’s dinghy competitions in Paris
Caribbean sailors Luc Chevrier of St. Lucia, Just van Aanholt of Aruba, and Thad Lettsome of the British Virgin Islands gave it their all but, unfortunately, fell short of the medals as the men's dinghy sailing event finished with the medal race on Thursday at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Chevrier finished 29th in the competition, scoring 199 points and 163 net points while van Aanholt finished 33rd with 217 total points and 178 net points.
Lettsome finished 38th, with 255 total points and 215 net points.
Throughout the competition, these sailors displayed exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship, representing their countries with pride on the global stage.
In the women’s dinghy competition, Bermuda’s Adriana Penruddocke and the Cayman Islands’ Charlotte Webster gave strong efforts.
In race 9, Webster finished 37th, while Penruddocke finished 42nd. After the medal race, Penruddocke finished 36th overall with 270 total points and 226 net points while Webster finished 41st with 349 total points and 306 net points.
These women put out a valiant effort, and while they did not get the opportunity at medalling, their performances were admirable, showcasing their athletic ability and passion for the sport.
Bouwmeester makes Olympic history following dinghy gold medal
Marit Bouwmeester made history at the Paris Games after she became the most decorated female in Olympic sailing following her triumph in the women's dinghy event.
Bouwmeester has now overtaken Great Britain's Hannah Mills, who won three Olympic medals between 2012 and 2020.
The 36-year-old won silver in this class of sailing in London in 2012, earning her first gold medal in Rio before earning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
Denmark's Anne-Marie Rindom, who won gold in Tokyo three years ago, settled for silver this time around, with Norway's Line Flem Hoest taking the final podium place.
"It's nice to finally finish it off - it hasn't sunk in yet," Bouwmeester said.
"I have so much respect for Line and Anne-Marie, we push each other all the way."
Australia's reigning Olympic champion Matt Wearn grabbed gold in the men's dinghy, with Pavlos Kontides of Cyrpus picking up his second silver.
Stefano Peschiera ended Peru's 32-year wait for a medal with his bronze medal finish, while Team GB's Michael Beckett ended the final in 10th.
Caribbean trio improve in men's dinghy; Bermuda’s Penruddocke, Cayman Islands’ Webster slow into stride in women's event
St Lucia’s Luc Chevrier, Aruba’s Just Aanholt, and Thad Lettsome of the British Virgin Islands all redeemed themselves in races three and four of the men's dinghy event at the Marseille Marina – Frioul on Friday.
The standout performance came from Lettsome, who secured an impressive second place in race four. He started strong and led at mark 1, but slipped to third at mark three before inching up to second at mark 4, where he stayed until the end.
Lettsome finished just behind Croatia's Filip Jurisic. Aanholt and Chevrier placed 24th and 25th, respectively.
Race three saw Chevrier deliver the best performance among the trio, as he placed 19th, while Aanholt and Lettsome were 25th and 36th, respectively.
The overall standings reflect improvements for the Caribbean trio, with Chevrier now ranked 31st, Aanholt 33rd, and Lettsome 34th. All three sailors have advanced from their former positions after the first two races, demonstrating their determination and competence.
Bermuda’s Penruddocke, Cayman Islands’ Webster represent the Caribbean in women’s dinghy
Bermuda’s Adriana Penruddocke had a great start in the women’s dinghy event, finishing 14th in race one at the Marseille Marina – Frioul.
Meanwhile, Cayman Islands’ Charlotte Webster finished 41st in the same race.
Both sailors struggled in Race 2, with Penruddocke finishing 35th and Webster 40th. Penruddocke, on the other hand, redeemed herself in race three, finishing 26th, while Webster was 39th.
After three races, Penruddocke is 26th overall with 40 points, and Webster is 41st with 79 points.
Penruddocke, 24, secured her spot in Paris 2024 with a sixth-place result at the 2023 Pan American Games.
Webster, 20, qualified by finishing 12th in the ILCA 6 at the same games, becoming the third woman sailor from Cayman Islands to represent the country at an Olympic Games.
As the competition progresses and the upcoming races begin, the spotlight will be on these Caribbean competitors as they work to improve their place in the sport.
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