Head of the Olympic committee, Toshiro Muto says cancelling the Olympics remain a possibility after rising Covid-19 cases.
The news comes just hours after Team Ireland confirmed that Kellie Harrington and Brendan Irvine are going to be standard bearers at the Opening Ceremony on Friday.
The Olympics was due to take place last summer but was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic which could yet throw a spanner in the works this year as well.
Toshiro Muto, head of the Olympic Committee hasn’t ruled out cancelling the Olympics last minute Sky reports. With the games due to begin on Friday, steadily rising Covid-19 cases may prompt swift action.
This news comes after an additional ten more cases tested positive ahead of the games. However, Muto says a spike in cases may force their hand soon.
Speaking at the news conference for the games earlier today he said: “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.
“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.”
This brings Tokyo’s total covid numbers to 68 and rising. While the games will be smaller this year without spectators, Irish spirits remain high. The team boasts its largest ever team with 116 athletes set to compete for silverware.
The team are set to arrive at the Olympic village over the coming days.
