Golden Grand Prix to Go Ahead at Olympic Stadium Without Fans or Foreigners

On July 13 the JAAF officially confirmed earlier reports that the Seiko Golden Grand Prix meet originally scheduled to have been held in May will take place Aug. 23 at Tokyo's new Olympic Stadium. It will be the first track and field events staged at the rebuilt Olympic Stadium.

As part of the World Athletics Continental Tour the Golden Grand Prix hosts some of the world's top international athletes every year, but amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis that is not possible this year and participants will be limited to athletes within Japan. Instead, the JAAF will offer some of the country's highest-potential high school talent the chance to compete in the meet against some of the biggest domestic names in hopes of making up for the cancelation of this year's National High School Championships.

The meet program is still be finalized and will be announced when ready. The Golden Grand Prix will be held without spectators, but it will be broadcast by TBS and a livestream is also planned. JAAF director Hiroshi Yokokawa commented, "Our best national representatives and the brightest hopes of the next generation will compete with each other on the spectacular stage of our stellar new Olympic Stadium, wowing us all with their energetic endeavors and bringing home the full charm of all athletics has to offer."

Translator's note: Although this article could be interpreted to mean Japan-resident international athletes already in the country may be eligible to compete, a direct communication from meet athlete liaison Ellie Kawai on July 13 confirmed that only athletes of Japanese citizenship will be allowed to take part. As such, the first track and field event at the 2020 Olympic Stadium will be held without fans or foreigners.

source article:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/12e58d1ab2e922d74bb3a7020463842bd3e87bab
translated by Brett Larner

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