How Olympic athletes and officials in Tokyo are preparing for the Games as Covid-19 cases are on the rise.
Just two days out from the opening ceremony of the 2021 Olympics, all eyes are turning to Tokyo — some with excitement, others with trepidation. Here’s the latest on the final days of prep.
Could the Olympics still get canceled?
While it seems all but certain that competition will go on, the head of the Tokyo organizing committee said yesterday that he wouldn’t rule out canceling the event last minute if the number of local Covid-19 cases becomes unsafe. Officials plan to continue talks as they watch the data.
How many Covid cases have been reported at the Olympics so far?
Tokyo reported 1,387 new Covid cases on Tuesday, a 67 percent increase from the previous week. More than 70 infections have been pinpointed as specifically Olympics-related. Among them are an American gymnastics alternate, a Czech beach volleyballer, and various team officials and staffers.
The mood on the ground
“It feels different for sure,” says Carli Lloyd of the American women’s soccer team. But she tells KCM nothing can keep her eyes off the prize. “I am here to win a gold medal. It would be a dream come true,” Lloyd says. “I want to enjoy the process and be in the moment while I soak it all in.”
Plan your Olympics watch party
We’ve rounded up everything you need for a gold-medal gathering as you cheer on your favorite sport, plus the 12 best movies about the Olympics. (And don’t forget to raise a glass for Brisbane, which just got announced as the host of the 2032 games!)
