Morinari Watanabe is no stranger to pressure but the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) president says he has never felt such responsibility ahead of a four-nation meet in November that could “open the door” to the Tokyo Olympics. The Tokyo meet will feature gymnasts from Japan, the United States, China and Russia and marks the first international event to be held at an Olympics venue since the Games were postponed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watanabe is determined Tokyo will pass the first major test of its city’s readiness when the athletes and officials arrive for the Nov. 8 meet at Yoyogi National Gymnasium. “We have developed COVID-19 guidelines following strictly all recommendations made by WHO (World Health Organisation),” said Watanabe. Watanabe wants the meet to show the power of sport in difficult times.

Source: Daily Nation October 26, 2020 05:15 UTC