34 athletes could start in Tokyo / Article

The Latvian delegation could approve 34 athletes for the start of the Tokyo Olympic Games, Georges Tikmer, President of the Latvian Olympic Committee (LOC), told Latvian Television’s “Morning Panorama” on Wednesday. Most Olympians have already met the qualification standards, but a few more athletes could add to the list.

The full composition of the Latvian delegation will be announced on July 1, when it will be determined which Latvian athletes have secured the right to start in Tokyo in the ranking. At the end of June, Latvia has 30 athletes who have qualified and confirmed their readiness to go to the Olympic Games. Four more athletes could join following the decision of the International Athletics Umbrella Organization to allocate the remaining Olympic quotas.

“The total number of our athletes [Tokijā] could reach 34, “said Tikmer.

If 34 athletes are approved by the delegation, 24 of them could be Olympic debutants, including in the sports where the Olympic prizes will be awarded for the first time.

Due to epidemiological restrictions, athletes will be allowed to arrive in Japan no more than five days before the start and will have to return home no later than two days after the end of their competition. It will also affect the composition of the Latvian delegation at the opening ceremony.

Tikmer believes that no more than 10 athletes will represent Latvia at the opening, but together with the coaches there would be about 20 participants in the parade. Athletes who will be the first to come to Tokyo to compete in highway cycling, 3×3 basketball, tennis and beach volleyball will have the opportunity to participate in the opening.

The decision on the Latvian flag bearer selected by the LOK management will be announced at the opening ceremony on Monday, July 5. The administration of the Latvian delegation will go to Tokyo on July 6, registration is scheduled for the next day, but on July 8, the Olympic Village will already be available to Latvian athletes.

Timmer acknowledged that the Tokyo Olympics will be difficult for a number of reasons. The preparation for athletes was complicated by a long waiting period and a complicated qualification system, as well as the limited opportunities for some sports to participate in competitions.

In Tokyo, special attention will be paid to epidemiological safety – three tests are scheduled for each participant shortly before going to Japan and analyzes will be performed after arrival, and express tests are provided for athletes every day.

CONTEXT:

The Tokyo Olympic Games, postponed from 2020, will run from July 23 to August 8.

Latvian athletes have qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games

Athletics: Līna Mūze, Gatis Čakšs (both javelin throwing), * Laura Ikauniece (heptathlon), Laura Igaune (hammer throwing), Arnis Rumbenieks, Ruslans Smolonskis (both 50 km walking)

Beach volleyball: Mārtiņš Pļaviņš / Edgars Točs, Tīna Graudiņa / Anastasija Kravčenoka

Road cycling: Krists Neilands and Toms Skujiņš on a group trip; Toms Skujins in an individual trip

Equestrian: Kristaps Neretnieks (show jumping)

Martial Arts: Anastasia Grigoriev (weight category up to 62 kg)

Shooting: Agate Rašmane (25 meters with a small gun)

Canoeing: Robert Stone (200 meters distance)

3×3 men’s basketball team (Agnis Čavars, Edgars Krūmiņš, Kārlis Lasmanis, Nauris Miezis)

BMX cycling: Helvijs Babris, Vineta Pētersone

Swimming: Ieva Maluka (100 meters and 200 meters freestyle), Daniils Bobrovs (200 meters brass)

Weightlifting: Ritvars Suharevs (weight category up to 81 kg), Artūrs Plēsnieks (weight category up to 109 kg)

Tennis: Alona Ostapenko, Anastasia Sevastova (singles and doubles)

Karate: Kalvis Kalnins (weight category up to 67 kg)

Modern pentathlon: Pavel Schwecov

Judo: Eugene Borodavko (weight category up to 100 kg)

* Laura Ikauniece will not start in Tokyo due to injury

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