by Alfonz Juck
Covid-19 Coronavirus, photo by Journalist resource
This is the update on how the novel coronavirus has affected the global athletics…
VIRUS IMPACT
TOKYO (JPN): Japan looks poised to approve the use of testing kits which claim to be able to detect COVID-19 antigens within 30 minutes as Japan seeks to improve their testing regime ahead of next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, informs insidethegames.biz. Manufacturer Fujirebio can provide 200,000 tests per week and Japanese news agency Kyodo reports that the Government will approve the use of these kits on Wednesday.
CHRISTCHURCH (NZL): With international travel potentially restricted for the foreseeable due to the coronavirus, New Zealand athletics officials are planning an elongated summer campaign in their region next year to prepare athletes for the Tokyo Olympics, informs stuff.co.nz. “The scenario we’re planning for, along with other sports in New Zealand and Australia, is we might be looking totally at a preparation from our region. That’s means athletes who traditionally might have looked at trying to go to Europe or the US in April, May and June to get that last opportunity to qualify, might say actually we’re not going to pursue that. We’ll plan to prepare our team to pretty much leave from New Zealand to go to Tokyo in July next year. I know other sports like bike and yachting are looking at things that way too,” said Athletics New Zealand high performance director Scott Goodman.
NAIROBI (KEN): The Kenyan government is launching relief measures to help protect vulnerable athletes across the country, informs the Daily Nation. “We are happy to collaborate with Eliud Kipchoge in extending the Sports Covid-19 stimulus and food programme to athletes in the North Rift region. We are targeting at least 1,530 sportspersons drawn from various disciplines with 901 “most in need” on our priority list countrywide,” said Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed. So far, the ministry has, through Kipchoge and the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, distributed the packages in Kericho, Kapsabet, Eldoret, Iten and Kaptagat. Selected athletes will also receive financial support.
MADRID (ESP): Along with Javier Guerra, Spanish race walker Julia Takacs has also chosen not to train despite the easing of restrictions in the Spain which allows national-level athletes to train, informs MARCA.
LISBON (POR): The Lisbon Half Marathon (5 September) and Lisbon Marathon (15 October) will not take place in 2020, informs Sapo Desporto. The 2021 Lisbon Half Marathon is scheduled for 9 May and the Lisbon Marathon on 17 October.
YOKOHAMA (JPN): The Yokohama Marathon on 1 November has been cancelled, informs Japan Running News.
BENGALURU (IND): The TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2020 which was scheduled to take place on 17 May will now take place on 22 November, informs organisers.
OSLO (NOR): Small competitions can be organized in Norway from 7th May with maximum 50 persons in the competition area. This might change to 200 persons from 15 June and 500 persons from 1 September. All technical events can be organized with own strict “Covid 19” rules with regularly washing and cleaning all the implements during the competition. Running events so far only events in lanes and maximum 4 athletes in stadiums with 8 lanes, maximum 3 athletes in stadiums with 6 lanes. No relays will be organized. Informs Borre Lilloe.
COPENHAGEN (DEN): Danish federation DAF confirmed that Thijs Nijhuis and Abdi Ulad are oficially selected for marathon at Olympic Games next year.
SAO PAULO (BRA): Between May 13 and 23 the New Balance Virtual Mile will be held in South America. Those who want to join must register on the STRAVA platform where the #NBmillaVirtual challenge will be available.The invitation is specially made for runners from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Panama and Costa Rica.
MADRID (ESP): Spanish federation RFEA decided to cut ist budget by 30 percent for 2020 and canceled the 2020 National championships planned for Getafe on June 27-28. The national championships for all age categories would be organised if allowed between August 15 and November 15.
