Search
shop

Olympics blow as spectators to be banned for most of Tokyo 2020

The Olympics have suffered a fresh blow with the news that spectators will be banned from most of the Games at Tokyo 2020 due to a new spike in COVID cases.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

The Olympics have suffered a fresh blow with the news that spectators will now reportedly be barred from attending most events later this month.

Only a month ago officials said that domestic fans would be allowed to attend events at Tokyo 2020, but a new spike in COVID-19 cases in the city appears to have put paid to that plan.

According to the New York Times, the decision comes after a new state of emergency was declared in the Tokyo area with the Delta variant presenting a new challenge for organisers.

At this stage there appears to be no possibility that the Games will not go ahead, despite fierce local opposition from the public. They wanted the event either cancelled or moved back once again. International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach arrived in Tokyo on Thursday. 

Games remain likely to go ahead

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters: “Viewers will be tuning in from around the world and I want to transmit to them a message from Tokyo about overcoming hardship with effort and wisdom.”

The new state of emergency, which was announced on Thursday, will start next Monday (July 11) and will last for the whole of the Games – which run from July 23 to August 8.

There are three triathlon events scheduled – the men’s race takes place on Monday July 26, the women’s race is set for July 27 and the new mixed relay format is scheduled for Saturday July 31.

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
IRONMAN announce new age-group qualification system for Kona and 70.3 Worlds
IRONMAN World Championship 2019 / Kona 2019
IRONMAN’s new age-group system for Kona – all the big questions answered
Frederic Funk finish line Challenge Samarkand 2023 photo credit Challenge Family
Challenge Roth 2025: German star goes into the unknown in iconic triathlon showdown
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
‘It’s going to be an absolute firecracker’ says Cam Wurf after booking IRONMAN World Champs spot
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...