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Another weird (but crucial) scene … the Olympic Torch Handover ceremony went down in Athens, Greece on Thursday — with ZERO followers allowed at Panathenaic Stadium.
In truth, Japan reportedly contacted little-known former Olympic swimmer Imo Naoko to symbolize the nation … for the reason that athlete was already residing in Greece.
The unique plan was to have a large star-studded occasion for the flame-passing custom — however with the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, organizers needed as few individuals concerned as doable.
So, Japan contacted former Olympic swimmer Imo Naoko, who was already residing in Greece, to symbolize the host nation. The 43-year-old agreed and he or she was all smiles on Thursday.
There had been flags, there was a stage — however completely NO followers on the venue. Super bizarre.
FYI, Naoko swam within the 800-meter relay within the ’96 Games in Atlanta.
Now, the flame might be transported from Athens to Japan, for one more scaled-down ceremony at a navy base on Friday.
Japan insists the 2020 Tokyo Games will go on as deliberate — regardless of the actual fact many of the world is in quarantine.
Stay secure on the market everybody …
