ONLY 30 BRITS AT OPENING CEREMONY AMID FEARS OF INFECTION

THE Team GB delegation at the Olympic opening ceremony will only number around 30 — with concerned athletes choosing not to attend amid anxiety over Covid-19. A record low turnout will walk behind the Union Flag tomorrow night, at a show being broadcast to millions around the world. Officials had hoped as many as 50 athletes would take part, which would still be a fraction of the usual 200. However, Sportsmail understands that fear of being ‘pinged’ and catching the virus has led to a mass withdrawal. Traditionally, the prestige and experience of the opening ceremony has been a strong pull. But this year that is simply not the case. Meanwhile, chef de mission Mark England called on the British public yesterday to embrace the Games. ‘Team GB has almost 800 athletes and support staff in Japan,’ he said. ‘Not one of those athletes or support staff has tested positive. So there should be huge confidence in our Covid mitigation measures. ‘We want everyone back home to buckle up. It won’t be an easy ride, but it will be exciting and there will be some memories that I’m sure will live long.’ England added that he was confident of delivering an emotional lift to the nation. ‘Many people back home have lost their lives or had their livelihoods changed,’ he said. ‘We are representing the hopes and aspirations of millions of people. This is a top, top team. You go across every athlete, every team, every discipline, and we can medal in all of them. It’s very, very competitive.’