OLDS — A local athlete who will be competing in this year's Summer Olympics says she’s not bothered by the fact that spectators have been banned from the event.
Organizers announced July 8 that spectators won’t be allowed during the event, which runs from July 23-Aug. 8 in Tokyo, Japan.
The move was in response to concerns about possible COVID-19 outbreaks at venues there. Infection rates have been rising in Japan lately, primarily due to the spread of the extremely contagious Delta variant.
In fact, the Japanese government imposed a state of emergency due to concerns over rising infection rates.
In an email, wrestler Danielle Lappage, who was born and raised in Olds, said the lack of spectators won’t bother her.
“I don't think it will have an impact. We are used to competing in front of few spectators,” Lappage wrote.
Lappage will be competing on the Olympic stage on Aug. 2 and 3.