-
Nadal, Osaka in Wimbledon withdrawals
Rafael Nadal's snub of the Olympics was later followed by world number five Dominic Thiem also withdrawing from Tokyo. Naomi Osaka, however, said she still intended to take part in her home Olympics.
-
Japan 'cornered' on Tokyo Olympics, says national committee member
In an opinion article for Kyodo News, Japan Olympic Committee member Kaori Yamaguchi, who won judo bronze in Seoul in 1988, described "anxiety and distrust" between the public and the government over the Games.
-
Tokyo 2020 chief says Games '100%' on, with 50 days to go
Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto made the comments exactly 50 days before the pandemic-postponed Olympics, which remain plagued by public opposition.
-
10,000 Olympic volunteers quit ahead of Games: organisers
On Wednesday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told local media that around 10,000 volunteers, who are vital to the smooth running of the massive event have quit, largely over coronavirus concerns.
-
Semenya fails in second attempt to qualify for Tokyo Olympics
Caster Semenya has been the Olympic champion twice and world champion three times over 800m, but is barred from competing over that distance by World Athletics' testosterone-reducing regulations.
-
Japan's strict gun laws trigger problems for Olympic shooting
For Goran Maksimovic, the extent of Japan's restrictions only became clear when he arrived to coach the national team and found he couldn't lay a finger on a gun, let alone fire one.
-
Most at Tokyo Olympic village to be vaccinated by Games: IOC chief
With less than 10 weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open on July 23, parts of Japan are under a virus state of emergency and a majority of Japanese want the event delayed further or cancelled.
-
After 'difficult' year, top athletes resume chase for gold
Talking to reporters in the eastern Czech steel hub of Ostrava ahead of Wednesday's competition, some athletes said 2020, when the Tokyo Olympics were postponed, had been a year of opportunities while others bemoaned the wasted time.
-
Hesitant Nadal joins chorus of concern about Olympics
On Monday, Serena Williams said she was undecided about going to the Olympics while Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori have both raised concerns about whether Tokyo should be hosting the Games at all.
-
Returning Serena hints she could miss Olympics
The 39-year-old, still ranked eighth in the world, has been absent from the courts since her semifinal defeat by eventual champion Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open in Melbourne in February.
-
Nothing can stop Olympics from going ahead: IOC's Coates
John Coates, the point man for the Games as head of the IOC's coordination commission, said a huge amount of work had been done to ensure the safety of athletes and the Japanese public.
-
Japan to extend emergency virus measures as Olympics approach
The emergency measures, which are less strict than blanket lockdowns elsewhere, had been due to end on 11 May but are now expected to continue until the end of the month.
-
'Impossible now' - Japan's Olympic host towns pull out over pandemic
The western town of Okuizumo spent more than $5 million preparing to welcome India's hockey team for a pre-Games training camp, only to scrap the visit because of COVID-19.
-
US sprinter Coleman's suspension upheld, reduced to 18 months: CAS
Coleman was suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit last December for two years from 14 May, 2020 after failing to turn up for tests three times in a 12-month-period.
-
Semenya wins 5,000m race, but falls short of Tokyo qualifying time
Caster Semenya trimmed nearly 15 seconds off her personal best by crossing the line in 15 minutes 52.28 sec while defending her South African championships 5,000m title - which is 42.28 sec outside the Tokyo qualifying time of 15:10.
-
Virus could force Olympics cancellation, says top Japanese politician
Toshiro Nikai, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's number two, said the Olympics must be cancelled "without hesitation" if the virus situation is too severe.
-
Olympics 'difficult' after virus spikes, Japan medical group warns
Haruo Ozaki sounded the alarm as rising daily cases prompt new virus restrictions in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan.
-
Tokyo Olympics chiefs prepare to resume 'safe' test events
Test events were halted after the sport climbing event was held from March 6 to 8 last year, with Tokyo 2020 staff replacing athletes because of infection concerns.
-
Joy, delay and torch relay: Tokyo's turbulent Olympic timeline
As the nationwide torch relay begins, organisers are hoping it can build enthusiasm among a sceptical Japanese public ahead of the opening ceremony on July 23.
-
'Unavoidable': overseas fans barred from Tokyo Olympics over virus
The unprecedented ban will make the Tokyo Games the first ever without overseas spectators, with organisers scaling back their ambitions for the pandemic event.
-
Fans barred from Tokyo Olympics torch relay start
Fans were told to stay away from next week's 'simplified' starting ceremony and first leg of the nationwide relay, which was put on hold a year ago when the Olympics were delayed over the coronavirus.
