Los 40 USA
NewslettersSign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

OLYMPIC GAMES

Olympic torch relay finishes its first day in Fukushima

A runner carrying the Olympic torch completed the first day of the relay in Fukushima, Japan, on Thursday, an event that was postponed for a year due to the pandemic.

Update:
Japanese aerobatics pilot Hoshihide Muroya lights the celebration cauldron at Hibarigahara Festival Site, during the last leg of the first day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch relay in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture on March 25, 2021. (Photo by CHARLY TR
CHARLY TRIBALLEAUAFP

A runner carrying the Olympic torch completed the first day of the relay in Fukushima, Japan, on Thursday, an event that was postponed for a year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

"Hope lights our way"

With waves, smiles and high fives - but no cheers - the Olympic torch relay set off on Thursday, beginning a four-month countdown to the postponed 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo. Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee CEO Toshiro Muto said on Thursday that organisers were able to hold the Olympic torch relay while maintaining social distancing. He added that organisers will plan alternative events if regions where relays are planned announce states of emergency concerning the coronavirus pandemic.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be the first Olympic and Paralympic Games held during a pandemic.