Olympic Daily News: 22 June 2020
Get your daily update of Olympic news: Trivia, trends, and talking points.
Is there any better message to start the week than to “Dance like nobody is watching”?
2010 Youth Olympics boxing silver medallist Joseph Parker of New Zealand channeled that iconic quote – and this iconic dance – from the movie ‘Napoleon Dynamite.’
Make sure you’re ready to workout like no one is watching tomorrow and join us for Olympic Day workouts around the world!
Japan withdraws bid to host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Three days before the FIFA Council is set to announce the host of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Japan has withdrawn its hosting bid. That leaves Australia and New Zealand’s joint bid and a bid from Colombia.
"Today, through an extraordinary board meeting, we decided to withdraw our bid to host the 2023 Women's World Cup," said Japan Football Association President Tashima Kozo, also Vice-President of the Japanese Olympic Committee. "It pains me to have to make this very difficult decision.
"In my head, I went back and forth on what to do. But I think it was probably the best decision for the JFA. As tough as it was for the bid team to accept, they agreed in the end that this was the best call.”
The announcement comes after Brazil withdrew earlier this month. The Japanese federation says they will now support the bid from Australia and New Zealand.
China targeting top spot in badminton women’s singles
After taking four-straight women’s badminton Olympic titles, China’s golden streak was ended at Rio 2016 by Spaniard Carolina Marin.
National coach Luo Yigang wants to erase that memory.
"I have to say it will be highly competitive in the women's singles in Tokyo," said Luo, as reported by Xinhua.
China’s hopes may rest on Chen Yu Fei, currently ranked no. 2 in the world in women’s singles. Marin is no. 6. Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying leads the rankings.
"Tai is a powerful player who played very aggressively," said Luo. "She is one of the biggest gold medal candidates in Tokyo.
Trivia time!
Did you enjoy yesterday’s Twitter trivia? If so, let us know by tweeting as at @OlympicChannel!
Here’s today’s question:
Who won the first-ever men’s singles Olympic gold medal in table tennis?
- Yoo Nam-kyu
- Kim Ki-taik
- Jan-Ove Waldner
- Liu Guliang