MEMBERS of Team Philippines for the Tokyo Olympic Games are settling well in the Athletes’ Villages as they wait for the official start of the proceedings this weekend.
While Japan is in a state of emergency because of the pandemic, Philippine bets are managing to adjust to the situation and going about their affairs.
“The athletes approach each day as a regular one, but they don’t let their guards down,” Team Philippines’ physician Dr. Randy Molo of the Philippine Sports Commission’s Medical and Sports Science Science unit communicated to local sports media from Japan.
“They bring their chairs into the open, grass field and they soak up the sun. You see athletes jogging or cycling, but with the usual masks and social distancing,” he added.
The team physician also shared that the athletes’ needs are being taken care of, including extensive meals to choose from and massage treatment available upon request online.
Also, athletes, officials, and coaches numbering 6,700 inside the village undergo saliva testing for COVID-19 daily.
Dr. Molo said the village has had its share of positive cases already and it is something they are closely monitoring.
Majority of the Philippine bets are staying in the Athletes’ Village, including four-time Olympian Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting) and debuting Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Cris Nievarez (rowing), Caloy Yulo (gymnastics) and Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo).
The Philippines also has athletes seeing action in athletics, shooting, swimming, golf, judo and boxing. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
