Sport

Should the Tokyo Olympics go ahead?

Published

1 year ago

May 26, 2021

As Japan struggles to contain its fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, there is overwhelming public opposition in the country to the Summer Games going ahead this year.

Japan’s Asahi Shimbun, an official partner of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has this week called for the Games to be cancelled.

But with the opening ceremony scheduled to take place in under two months, is it too late for the major sporting event to be postponed, or even cancelled altogether?

Stephen Nagy, a Senior Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Studies at the International Christian University in Tokyo, spoke with Ticker News.

“The IOC… should take a stronger stance in supporting Tokyo to either host the Olympics or postpone it by another year.”

If the games were to be cancelled altogether, Stephen Nagy believes it would send a negative message to other cities interested in hosting the Olympics down the track.

“This will raise questions for cities around the world… which city is going to want to risk money if there is a potential cancellation,” he explained.

But Dr. Nagy says he is “quite confident the Japanese Government and organisers can put together a safe Olympics” as the likelihood of a “spillover of the virus into the local community is very, very low”.

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Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper publisher, cited risks to public safety and strains on the medical system, in calling for the Games to be cancelled.

“We ask Prime Minister (Yoshihide) Suga to calmly and objectively assess the situation and decide on the cancellation of the event this summer.”

EDITORIAL: Prime Minister Suga, please call off the #Tokyo #Olympics this summer #NOlympicsAnywhere : The Asahi Shimbun https://t.co/MfPHLpWxVf
— Asahi Shimbun AJW (@AJWasahi) May 26, 2021

Sport

Hero coach rescues U.S. swimmer at Olympic event

Published

24 hours ago

June 24, 2022

Holly Stearnes

U.S. Swimming coach, Andrea Fuentes, has saved the life of an American Swimmer, Anita Alvarez, at the FINA World Championships

Fuentes dived into the pool to rescue unconscious Alvarez from the bottom after her Olympic qualifying event.

In a nightmare moment, the 25-year-old didn’t return for breath after her synchronised swimming event and instead began to sink.

In a split-moment decision, Coach Fuentes jumped into the pool to rescue her, after the lifeguards failed to act.

When a swimmer finishes their routine, the first thing they want to do is breathe and so I saw that instead of going up, she was going down and I told myself, ‘Something is going on’ … So I went in as fast as I could.”
Andrea Fuentes

The young Olympic medalist was unconscious and not breathing but quickly received medical attention on the edge of the pool.

This is one of the most powerful photos I’ve seen in a long time. It embodies the true human spirit of love and sacrifice. It also reminds me that we all need “rescuing” from time to time. Glad Anita Alvarez is okay and thankful to Andrea Fuentes for her act of selflessness. pic.twitter.com/ijE0ya55r5
— Brad Hardin (@chinsobelife) June 23, 2022

She was taken to hospital and is now reportedly in ‘good health’.

Sport

Medical personnel to face trial over Maradona’s death

Published

2 days ago

June 23, 2022

Costa Haritos

Eight medical personnel will stand trial for their alleged negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona

The 60-year-old was found dead in a rented home in Buenos Aires two years ago, after recently being discharged from hospital.

Prosecutors say there were “omissions” by the star’s caregivers, who allegedly abandoned him during his hospital stay.

Around 20 medical experts found Maradona’s treatment was rife with “deficiencies and irregularities”, in a hearing convened by Argentina’s public prosecutor last year.

A neurosurgeon and family doctor, psychiatrist and psychologist are among those who are facing charges.

They risk sentences ranging from eight to 25 years in prison but are denying any responsibility in the Argentinian player’s death.

Diego Maradona played in four FIFA World Cups for Argentina, and then went on to coach the national team during their 2010 campaign in South Africa.

In May, his famous ‘Hand of God’ jersey sold for $9.3 million.

Sport

Sporting stars lose millions amid crypto crash

Published

2 days ago

June 23, 2022

Holly Stearnes

Many stars and celebrities are getting caught up in the crypto market crash right now, with big names losing millions

Most recently, star Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has had $22 million wiped off his cryptocurrency portfolio.

The Jacksonville Jaguars athlete pushed his entire signing bonus into the sector when he decided to accept his wage in digital currency.

The 22-year-old partnered with a crypto tracking app, Blockfolio.

He organised for his entire wage package of $34 million to be delivered in cryptocurrency.

However, Bitcoin has currently lost more than 70 percent of its value, which has sent Lawrence’s paycheck nosediving.

His original pay packet is now worth just $12 million, leaving the Quarterback $22 million out of pocket.

Investors are selling off riskier assets because central banks are raising interest rates to combat quickening inflation.

The overall market value of crypto assets has fallen from $3 trillion to below $1 trillion.

This expensive nightmare for Lawrence follows a string of other top athletes like NFL star Odell Beckham and NBA player Andre Iguodala also losing millions.