COVID PRECAUTIONS A GAMES-CHANGER

NO CHEERING, NO HAPPY SNAPS, NO FOREIGN FANS. WELCOME TO TOKYO 2021

THE first modern Olympic Games held in an oddnumbered year, Tokyo 2021 is going to be very different from all the others.

As the world’s biggest multi-sports event, the level of planning that goes into running an Olympic is already mindboggling but the extra biosecurity challenges caused by the global pandemic have elevated Tokyo to a whole new level of complexity.

It may not appear that unusual to anyone casually watching events unfold on television but nothing on the ground at Tokyo 2021 will be close to normal.

Foreign spectators have been told they won’t be allowed into Japan, so they will have to stay at home, while the decision on how many local fans can attend events is still pending.

One thing is known: if they do get inside the stadiums, they will have to keep quiet because singing and cheering aren’t permitted.

The 10,000-plus athletes won’t be forced to get vaccines but won’t be able to compete unless they pass a coronavirus test on arrival in Japan, while strict social-distancing protocols will apply. Then, as soon as their events are finished, they need to be on the first plane home.

If that all sounds gloomy, remember this: most Olympic athletes are used to performing in front of small crowds with little fanfare so that won’t be any different.

Only this time, billions of people will be watching the most anticipated sports event in history and a gold won in Tokyo will be just as valuable as at any other Games.

For athletes, that beats the nuclear option of cancelling everything.

Australia expects to send a team of around 480 athletes to Tokyo.

Australian athletes are way ahead of most other countries because they have mostly been able to train without any major disruptions. The biggest problem has been the lack of opportunities to practise against international opponents in the lead-up but almost every country is in the same boat.

It won’t be mandatory for any athletes or officials going to Tokyo to be vaccinated but it is highly recommended.

Although nothing official has been announced, you can bet that everyone on the Australian team will be offered the jab if they want it, especially as all athletes and officials