Japanese fans filled the stands on Saturday as the world athletics championships opened in Tokyo. It was a sharp contrast to the Olympics four years ago, when the same stadium stood empty because of the pandemic.
The Tokyo Games, delayed until 2021, were held without fans to prevent the spread of Covid. This time, spectators were eager to enjoy the action from the start. Crowds arrived early for the men’s 35km race walk, which began at 7:30 in the morning.
Hajime Kondo, a 41-year-old office worker, came from Chiba with his wife Yukiko and their young son. “We watched the race walk, and when the Japanese athletes went past, people got very excited,” he said. “Kids see this and want to try it too.”
Kondo remembered the disappointment of the Tokyo Olympics. He and his wife had won tickets to the kayak slalom but were forced to watch on television. “It didn’t have that energy,” he recalled.
The National Stadium, which holds almost 70,000, was about half full by the time the race walk leaders entered for the final lap. A huge cheer greeted Japan’s Hayato Katsuki, who went on to win the bronze medal.
Katsuki had also competed in the Tokyo Olympics, when the race walk was moved to Sapporo because of the heat. “This time fans could cheer, and that gave me strength,” said the 34-year-old. “I wanted to show people it’s a fun event.”
Yuko Arimori, head of Japan’s athletics federation, said the championships could erase the memory of empty stands in 2021. “Sport is not just about athletes,” she said. “Everyone gets energy from it.”
Some fans wanted to see even more support. Takashige Torii, a 49-year-old consultant, felt the stadium should have been full. But he said the event was a chance to showcase Japan. “Kids missed out during the Olympics. This time will have a good impact on them,” he said.
Organisers confirmed that some sessions are sold out, while others still have tickets available. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe called the championships “the largest sporting event of the year.”
For Hitoshi Aita, a 38-year-old company worker, the opening day lived up to expectations. He came with his wife Misato and was impressed. “It’s the first time I’ve seen race walk,” he said. “I’m surprised how fast they go.”
