Olympics / World Games

• Is a Last-Minute Olympics Cancellation Still Possible?

  Jul 20, 2021 SportZ 0 Comments

  Source: Tokyo 2020 chief Muto doesn’t rule out 11th-hour cancellation of Olympic Games (link)

   

  The chief of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee on Tuesday did not rule out a last-minute cancellation of the Olympics, as more athletes tested positive for COVID-19 and major sponsors ditched plans to attend Friday’s opening ceremony.

  Asked at a news conference if the global sporting showpiece might still be cancelled, Toshiro Muto said he would keep an eye on infection numbers and liaise with other organizers if necessary. He essentially stated that though they can't predict future COVID cases, they will discuss moving forward based on the severity of the situation.

  Covid-19 cases are rising in Tokyo and the Games, postponed last year because of the pandemic, will be held without spectators. Japan this month decided that participants would compete in empty venues to minimize health risks.

  There have been 67 cases of COVID-19 infections in Japan among those accredited for the Games since July 1, when many athletes and officials started arriving, organizers said on Tuesday.

  Japan, whose vaccination program has lagged that of most other developed nations, has recorded more than 840,000 cases and 15,055 deaths and Games host city Tokyo is experiencing a fresh surge, with 1,387 cases recorded on Tuesday. As Muto said, the COVID development going forward will be difficult to predict, and anything could happen in the next few days leading up to the Olympics

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• JAMAICA DEFEATS COLOMBIA, WINS ICE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP, CREATES HISTORY

  Oct 11, 2019 CWN Publisher 0 Comments

  

  by Jason Walker

   On the 8th of September Jamaica created history by hoisting the LATAM 2019 trophy in Ice Hockey at the Florida Panthers Ice Den in South Florida.

  Jamaican defeated Colombia in a nail biter of a game. The nail biter aspect of this was surprising since Jamaica had defeated Columbia earlier in the competition and had lost 5-0. Maybe the Colombian team had taken Jamaica lightly the first time out, maybe Colombia had adjusted brilliantly to the Jamaican team, or maybe the Jamaican team had finally gotten a little tired and banged up after a dominant run that led up to the final (5-0 against Colombia, 8-4 over Argentina, 7-0 over Brazil & 6-0 Over Mexico), a final that was in the 1st ever Ice Hockey competition that Jamaica has entered,

  In the tight game Jamaica went up 2-0 early. The Jamaicans in the building were loud and in joyous spirits, grooving to hits from Sean Paul & Damian & Stephen Marley. However unlike the previous encounter Colombia was right there with the Boyz from the island of wood & water. The Colombians matched the Jamaicans in speed, which up to this point had not been done by any team, including the Colombians.

  Although the Colombians were matching us in tactics, speed and execution, the 2-0 lead gave comfort, to what was both the largest crowd for the whole tournament and the largest number of Jamaicans and Jamaican supporters who came out during the competition.

  Then, Jamaica had a major setback, one of their best players Carton Thorton had gotten hurt, had to be taken off and did not return. Players who had been injured earlier in the tournament now had to step up. Strong players like Jaden Lindo now had to dig deep.

  Colombia’s best player Daniel Echeverri played the entire 48 minutes, their goalie became almost impassable after the 2 goals scored. Then it happened in the 3rd period, Colombia scored. The Colombia fans went wild. They scored again! 2-2.

  That score would hold all the way until regulation time ended, albeit with many close calls for both sides. This set up the penalties, and after a tense period, Jamaica’s goalie saved enough and offense scored enough for Jamaica to win 3-2. History had been made.

  The crowd went wild, the team went wild, everybody jumped on the ice. Coaches CJ Bollers & Darwin Murray (whose brilliant coaching led the way) beamed with pride. Then the national anthem played and everyone who was there from and for Jamaica stood at attention. The Ice Boyz showed unadulterated joy, along with classy humility to all, throughout the whole weekend they showed respect to teams, fans and organizers.

  Jamaica’s Counsel General, Oliver Mair celebrated along with team and fans and said ” We are sooo proud of our Jamaican Hockey team and congratulate them on this historic victory! We are a people capable of doing anything we put our minds towards accomplishing.” AKA we little but we tallawah.”

  This is a strong statement for Jamaica to be a viable participant of the Ice Hockey world. If Jamaica can raise the millions necessary to have an ice rink in Jamaica they could be eligible to compete in the Winter Olympics (Ice Runnings anyone?).

   

  ref: Reference Article

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• Dalilah Muhammad Wins Historic 400M Hurdles at World Championship

  Oct 10, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  

  In the world of track and field, the 400m hurdles is an event that may be often overlooked. It doesn't boast radiant athletes like Usain Bolt or Noah Lyles – stars whose success and character attract fans and media like magnets. However, for those who do follow the event, the outcome at this year's world championships in Doha was nothing short of exciting and memorable, particularly for the women; its historic finals resulted in record-breaking times and the birth of a new, groundbreaking rivalry.

   

  The gold medal in this event was won by the United States' own Dalilah Muhammad, with a world-record time of 52.16 seconds. This was 0.04 seconds lower than the previous record, set by none other than Muhammad herself back in late July, during the US Nationals; she broke the world record for the second time this year.

   

  Coming in at silver was the up-and-coming US star Sydney McLaughlin. Despite only recently turning 20, she has already established herself amongst the top-tier female hurdlers. She had competed in the 2016 Olympics in Rio and hold the world junior record for the 400m hurdles. This was not her first time witnessing Muhammad's record-breaking performance first-hand; she also placed 2nd at the US Nationals in this event. However, Sydney was much closer to her in this week's race, running a 52.23; this cements her as the second fastest woman in history for this event.

  Jamaica's Rushell Clayton won bronze, running approximately 1.5 seconds behind the two US sprinters.

  Dalilah also won a second gold metal in Doha as part of the US Women's 1600 meter relay team of Dalilah Muhammad, Sydney Mclaughlin, Phyllis Francis and Wadeline Jonathas.

   

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• Noah Lyles Wins the World Championship for the 200m

  Oct 4, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  10.4.2019 Heading into this year's track and field World Athletic Championships, held in Doha, the fans and media alike had high expectations for 22 year-old Noah Lyles, who made his first appearance at this event; he was the favorite to win gold in the 200 meter dash. He did not disappoint – however, the medal did not come as easily as he would've liked. His time of 19.83 seconds was more than enough to prevail over the rest of the field. However, unlike most races – where Lyles gains a definitive lead coming off the turn – he found himself trailing after the first 100 meters, with Britain's Adam Gemili taking a slight lead. However, in the end, Noah Lyle's renowned top-end speed came in handy, propelling him towards gold. Canada's Andre De Grasse won silver with a time of 19.95 seconds, and Ecuador's Alex Quinonez won bronze with 19.98; Gemili's effort on the curve was not enough to win a medal.

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