One Year Before Athletics in Tokyo...

ONE YEAR BEFORE ATHLETICS IN TOKYO

TOKYO (JPN): What is the situation with Rio Olympic gold medalists one year before athletics will start in Japan. Usain Bolt and Ashton Eaton ended their careers, Mo Farah switched to road and David Rudisha is not competing. Struggling with health issues but aiming for Tokyo are Wayde Van Niekerk, Conseslus Kipruto and Derek Drouin. Trying to find the right shape Kerron Clement, Jeff Henderson, Christoph Harting and Dilshod Nazarov. In current situation good chances to retain their titles for Eliud Kipchoge, Omar McLeod, Thiago Braz, Christian Taylor, Ryan Crouser, Thomas Rohler and Matej Toth and in some way also Matt Centrowitz. 20 km walk winner Wang Zhen did not compete since Rio win and it is assumed he ended his career.

TOKYO (JPN): On the women side realistic chances to defend their Rio gold medals: Elaine Thompson, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Faith Kipyegon, Briana McNeal, Dalilah Muhammad, Katerini Stefanidi, Caterine Ibarguen, Sandra Perkovic, Sara Kolak, Nafi Thiam, also Michelle Carter with some results back drop in last season. Liu Hong in walks switched to 50 km but that is not currently on the olympic programme. More decline in shape for Tianna Bartoletta. Due to injuries current problems for Almaz Ayana and Anita Wlodarczyk, but both hoping to come back in 2020. Caster Semenya is currently not able to compete unless she follows the rules. Ruth Beitia ended the career, Jemima Sumgong is banned until April 2021 and Ruth Jebet is under investigation for doping offense with no final verdict.

TOKYO (JPN): Wednesday marks one year to go until the start of the athletics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The men's 20km walk kicks off the action, notes IAAF in a day-by-day lookahead. Meanwhile, European Athletics informs Mondo are to start laying the track using its latest product, Mondotrack WS TY, a process that will take around one month.

TOKYO (JPN): A year out from the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, new fears over the potentially hot conditions are being aired. Last week 11 people died and 5664 people were hospitalised due to the heat in Japan, insidethegames.biz reports.