The 19-year-old Shoko Miyata, the leader of Japan’s women’s gymnastics team, was returned home from Monaco when it was discovered that she had consumed alcohol and smoked, both of which are prohibited in the country until the age of 20.
Reports indicate that Miyata was seen smoking in a private setting in Tokyo from late June to early July and drinking alcohol at Japan’s national training center.
Kenji Nishimura, secretary general of the Japan Gymnastics Association (JGA), stated that it is unclear whether Miyata was at a party or drinking alone. After admitting to violating the code of conduct, Miyata, a world bronze medalist and national all-around champion, was sent home from the training camp.
It has been agreed that she would withdraw from the Olympics with her confirmation and following consultations on all parties,” Nishimura said reporters in Tokyo, adding that Miyata “looked fatigued” at the camp.
Mutsumi Harada, Miyata’s coach, disclosed that the gymnast had been under a great deal of strain before Paris. She was under a great deal of strain. I beg everyone to see that,” Harada said.
Miyata’s absence is a significant setback for the women’s team, who are aiming to win their first Olympic team medal since 1964 in Tokyo. Paris was set to be Miyata’s first Olympics, and now the women’s team will compete with four athletes instead of five.
President Tadashi Fujita of the JGA expressed his sincere regret for this.
The Olympics are set to officially start next Friday, with soccer games scheduled for July 24. Matches will include Uzbekistan vs. Spain in Group C and Argentina vs. Morocco in Group B. Additional matches on July 24 will feature Egypt vs. Dominican Republic, Guinea vs. New Zealand, Japan vs. Paraguay, Iraq vs. Ukraine, Mali vs. Israel, and France vs. USA.
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Team USA’s game against France will be a key matchup, with Les Bleus among the favorites to win Olympic gold with a strong roster. The United States has not competed in the men’s soccer tournament at the Olympic Games since 2008.
US Soccer has already announced its 18-player roster. Head coach Marko Mitrović remarked We are ecstatic to have this group of outstanding athletes and wonderful people represent us at the Olympics,” head coach Marko Mitrović stated. Since they have dedicated their whole life to getting to this point, it is a unique time for all of us. Nearly all of the players achieved professional status by following our American soccer road, and now they will fulfill their ambition of participating in the Olympics.