Tokyo 2020: Team GB's isolation issues could impact medal chances at Olympic Games, says Greg Rutherford
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Published 20/07/2021 at 15:17 GMT
Team GB had issues on their arrival in Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games as six athletes were forced into isolation after a passenger on their flight tested positive for Covid-19. Greg Rutherford, who won gold in London 2012, hopes that Team GB will not encounter any further problems that could impact medal chances.
Team GB athletes on their way to Tokyo
Image credit: Getty Images
Greg Rutherford believes Team GB’s disrupted start to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will “add a level of fear and concern” among athletes.
Six Team GB members were forced into isolation after a passenger on their flight to Tokyo tested positive for Covid-19.
They were granted dispensation to train alone on Monday and it is hoped they can soon resume full training.
Rutherford, who won gold in the long jump at London 2012 and will be working as a pundit for Eurosport during the Games, thinks the incident will be another challenge for the team to overcome.
“This really makes things quite difficult for the athletes," he told Eurosport. "They are going into a period where they are not allowed to train as they would normally, it’s very close to the Games, it will add a level of fear and add more concern.
“Coming into this all you want is a stress-free environment. It’s already a bit of a strange time with no crowds and a very different feel on the ground. To now not be able to train as you would like to will start mix things up even more for the guys.”
The Tokyo Olympics are set to get under way on Friday with the Opening Ceremony.
Statisticians Gracenote have predicted Team GB to win 14 gold medals – down from the 27 they won at Rio 2016 and 29 secured at London 2012.
Rutherford expressed concern that any further outbreaks could hamper Team GB’s chances of success.
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“We are hearing that they are now being allowed out of isolation which is a massive bonus but they are starting to lose sessions and some of their final preparation.
We have to really hope that no more athletes go down otherwise it could really start to affect some of our medals hopes.
“Fingers crossed this will be the last incident we see and we have can move on to a fantastic Games because Tokyo is an amazing place. We can’t experience the Games as we would have liked but the athletes will be chomping at the bit to get out there so let’s hope there are no more issues.”
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