Comment: Olympic organisers face an agonising wait as the coronavirus epidemic could threaten this year's Tokyo Olympic Games
It is not as if the masters of Tokyo 2020, who have only five more months to mobilise for an Olympic Games, need to look far for the looming peril of coronavirus. For in the port of Yokohama, a mere 40 kilometres from the New National Stadium, they can glimpse the twinkling lights of the Diamond Princess, a cruise ship fast becoming a Petri dish for a 21st-century plague.
Coronavirus is a far deadlier proposition and, for the Japanese hosts preparing to stage the greatest show on Earth, a matter of the utmost gravity.Toshiro Muto, the president of Tokyo 2020, has already voiced his fear that the escalation of the virus could "pour cold water on the momentum of the Games".
Naturally, the co-ordinator of the athletes' village in Tokyo is worried. Public acknowledgements of the crisis have been rare in Japan, such is the fear of losing face on the global stage, but Saburo Kawabuchi conceded: "We don't have any clue when this issue will be resolved." Tokyo, where surgical masks have become de rigueur in recent weeks, is not about to take any chances.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Folau admits he considered walking away from professional sportIsrael Folau says he considered ending his career during his exile from rugby and admits he's nervous ahead of his Super League debut on Sunday morning AEDT.
Read more »
The only female GM in the BBL says there's more support for women in sport than people realiseThe Sydney Sixers' Jodie Hawkins is the only female general manager in the BBL, but she says times are changing and there is a pathway for women in sport's administration.
Read more »
Too much of a good thing? Elisabeth Moss endures another on-screen traumaStars, male and female, come in different packages. There’s the glamorous kind such as Charlize Theron or Jennifer Lopez, who often have to fight for credibility — and there are those who make a principle of refusing glamour, like Elisabeth Moss
Read more »
Why are there are no cases of coronavirus in Indonesia?Indonesian health officials insist they've detected no coronavirus infections. The reality is that - despite the test results - the virus is probably already here.
Read more »
Why are there are no cases of coronavirus in Indonesia?Indonesian health officials insist they've detected no coronavirus infections. The reality is that - despite the test results - the virus is probably already here.
Read more »
Global economic impact of virus approaching GFC levelsThe coronavirus outbreak could leave the world economy in its worst state since the global financial crisis, with fresh warnings economic activity could contract through the first quarter of the year | swrighteconomy
Read more »