Olympic Triathlon: Tokyo residents defy spectator ban

TV viewers may have been surprised to see Tokyo residents defying the Olympic ban on spectators as crowds of triathlon fans lined the streets of Tokyo for a chance to see an Olympic Triathlon up close. 

Spectators aren’t allowed at most venues at the Tokyo Games, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, nonetheless, on Saturday at the individual men’s race big crowds congregated around the streets at the Odaiba Marine Park on the Tokyo waterfront, defying Olympic staff who carried signs and bullhorns asking them not to gather along the roadside to watch the event. 

Even though Tokyo remains under a state of emergency due to the pandemic the residents of Tokyo, wearing masks, defied the spectator ban and congregated along the course route, craning their necks to get a glimpse of the crème de la crème of triathletes from around the world and busily taking pictures of the occasion.  

Before the start of the Games, a large percentage of the population were against the Games going ahead due to rising numbers of coronavirus cases. A poll by Japanese newspaper Asahi, showed 64% of those surveyed preferred to hold the Olympics without any spectators, while 30% said they wanted limited numbers. 

However, Japan’s record haul of medals at these Olympics appears to have softened the mood and further eased the scepticism from the Japanese public into the hosting of the event which may account for crowds gathering along the streets to witness the Triathlon events.  

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has asked the Japanese to stay home and watch the Games on television.Unlike the strict lockdowns seen elsewhere, Tokyo is under a looser state of emergency that includes curbs on restaurant hours and the serving of alcohol. It is largely reliant on self-enforcement, however, and authorities can’t order people off the streets.