Initially disqualified from the mixed 4x400m relay, the United States and the Dominican Republic have been reinstated at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This means Spain, who had initially qualified, now miss out on a place in the final.
In light of the circumstances surrounding the disqualification and subsequent reinstatement of the USA team, the Jury has decided that the teams with the best eight valid performances (as per the criteria for qualification for the final) shall participate in the final plus the USA team. This includes the German Team.
Two athletes from Trinidad & Tobago, Andwuelle Wright (long jump) and Sparkle McKnight (400m hurdles), have been placed in isolation after testing positive for coronavirus, informed L’Equipe.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has said it was right for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to take place despite the rising number of coronavirus cases in Japan, informed ITV News.
He said: “We should be here. I think we’re here respectfully. Of course, there has been some opposition, but I always sensed that once we got into the sport, that opposition wouldn’t completely disappear, but I think now people focused on the celebratory nature of the sports.
“I do think it’s important for athletes, 70% of the athletes that are here are only going to get one bite at this.”
