Joc Chief Takes Back Lofty Goal Of 30 Gold Medals
The head of the Japanese Olympic Committee has backed off from a target of winning a record 30 gold medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games -- a goal set three years ago.
JOC President Yamashita Yasuhiro was speaking to reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Monday.
Asked if Japan still pursues that goal, Yamashita replied that he would clearly say "No," as the coronavirus pandemic has widely changed the basis for setting the goal in 2018.
He explained that it took eight months to come up with the lofty goal after carefully scrutinizing information obtained from each sporting body.
Yamashita said that it is difficult now to determine how prepared top athletes from abroad are, partly because they have been unable to take part in international competitions due to the pandemic.
He also said he doesn't know how much value there is in winning 30 gold medals, stressing that there is no time left to review the goal and there is much more to do.
He added he would be satisfied if Japanese athletes strive to do their best to achieve their own dreams.