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"You ought to be ashamed": Aussie tourist causing strife in Japan

Sydney-sider Turan William Salis has been slammed after a TikTok of him entering the "women's only" train carriage in Japan went viral. The video, which racked up over 2.3 million views, showed the 20-year-old unashamedly entering the strict female-only carriages on a Tokyo metro. “You guys, did you know in Japan they have women-only carriages?” he said, before entering the carriage. “It is like Saudi Arabia in here. I am the women-inspector, checking there is only women on this carriage. “Yep yep, there is only women here. Cool. No men. I don’t see a single man in sight. “Check complete, it really is a women-only carriage guys, wow.” Salis was met by confused and furious stares from female passengers who were sitting in the carriage. “This women-only carriage is the last thing I would expect to be seeing in such a free country like Japan, reminds me of something I would see in a country with strict segregation rules," he captioned the clip. “Japan was the last place I expected to be seeing strict male-female segregation in public.” The reason why Japan has female-only carriages is to protect women from sexual harassment and help them feel safe while taking public transportation. According to Japanese National Police Agency and the Ministry of Justice, the number of indecent assaults in train carriages nationwide in Japan ranges from 300 to 500 each year, with indecent sexual behaviour – such as groping, unwanted touching and intimidation – a major issue on trains, especially during peak hours. Over half of female passengers on the trains in Japan had, at one point in their lives, been groped on trains around Tokyo according to a 2005 investigation. Female-only carriages have become a permanent fixture since the early 2000s and are common feature around the country because of this. Thousands of people across the world have slammed Salis. “You should get out of Japan, you disrespectful piece of s**t,” commented one person. “They have these carriages to protect them from weirdos like you,” another said. “This is such a disgrace. You ought to be ashamed.” One Japanese man even created a response video about Salis' clip, slamming him for invading a safe space for women. “You knew that that was the women-only passenger car, which means you can’t go in, men cannot enter. But you didn’t care. You broke the rules, you invaded a safe space for women," he said. “Do you know why we have those? That’s because there are so many creepy men in Japan, who try to go behind the women, try to take pictures under their skirts. “There has been a lot of physical harassment as well. It has been a very serious issue. “That is why they had to take these measures. But you dare to call it segregation. “You don’t know anything about my country. You go there, and you don’t have any intention to respect our culture and rules. “It’s incredibly disrespectful, I can’t believe this kind of behaviour. If you have no intention of respecting us, then leave my country. “We are not there so that you can make TikTok and YouTube videos, so that you can be famous.” This is not an isolated incident for Salis, who has been on holiday in Japan since mid-August. The tourist previously landed himself in a strife after walking around without a shirt on, which is socially unacceptable in Japan. In another video, Salis filmed himself picking up dogs - who were distressed by his actions - despite getting yelled at because there are strict rules to not pick up the animals at the dog cafe. Images: TikTok

Travel Trouble

Cruise ships are back and carrying COVID. No, it’s not 2020. But here’s what needs to happen next

Cruise ships carrying passengers with COVID are back in the news. The Coral Princess, with an unconfirmed number of people testing positive on board, is <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7959796/virus-infected-cruise-ship-to-dock-in-wa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">set to dock</a> at Fremantle, Western Australia. The Quantum of The Seas, with passengers reportedly testing positive, <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1585194230825246721" target="_blank" rel="noopener">is heading for</a> Brisbane. There have been similar situations at other ports in <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/477429/cruise-ship-with-covid-19-cases-failed-to-follow-current-isolation-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand</a> and <a href="https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2022/10/articles/disease/covid-cruise-ships-return-down-under-with-hundreds-of-infected-guests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Pacific</a>. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> FIRST ON 9: A COVID-riddled cruise ship is heading for Brisbane, with passengers reporting hundreds of people are confined to their rooms. <a href="https://twitter.com/Anna_Rawlings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Anna_Rawlings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/ygLdE5FlqG">pic.twitter.com/ygLdE5FlqG</a> — 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1585194230825246721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></blockquote> But this isn’t 2020. The cruise ship industry and health authorities have learned much from large outbreaks linked to the Ruby Princess and Diamond Princess cruise ships early in the pandemic. Yet, there’s even more we can do to limit the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) spreading from cruise ships to communities on land. Why are we worried about cruise ships? Cruise ships can have epidemics of a variety of infectious diseases, <a href="https://theconversation.com/cruise-ships-can-be-floating-petri-dishes-of-gastro-bugs-6-ways-to-stay-healthy-at-sea-this-summer-126351" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not just COVID</a>, facilitated by large numbers of people in close proximity, especially during indoor social activities. We know SARS-CoV-2 is spread mainly by <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-pressure-is-on-for-australia-to-accept-the-coronavirus-really-can-spread-in-the-air-we-breathe-160641" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inhaling contaminated air</a>, so indoor activities may pose a risk if ventilation is poor. Cruises typically last at least a week, which covers the incubation period for infections such as influenza and COVID. So all it takes is for one infected person to be on the ship to set off an epidemic. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> More than 130 passengers and crew on the first cruise ship to arrive in the country in two years have tested positive for Covid-19.<a href="https://t.co/tA73LTzQad">https://t.co/tA73LTzQad</a> — RNZ (@radionz) <a href="https://twitter.com/radionz/status/1584959572342878208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2022</a></blockquote> Staff stay on ships much longer than passengers, and can continue to infect new passengers, perpetuating a cycle of outbreaks. But <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0869-5#Fig1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">almost half</a> of infections are transmitted asymptomatically. So, without testing everyone on board (before they board and during outbreaks), infectious people can board a ship without being aware they are infected and cause an epidemic. Infected staff can also infect new passengers, and passengers can infect communities they visit on land. What happened with cruise ships and COVID in 2020? Early in the pandemic, large outbreaks on ships, such as the <a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-australians-on-board-the-diamond-princess-need-to-go-into-quarantine-again-its-time-to-reset-the-clock-131906" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diamond Princess</a> made the headlines. Some 634 of 3,711 (17%) people on board <a href="https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2020.25.10.2000180" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tested positive</a> for COVID. The ship was quarantined for two weeks. An <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/58699?utm_source=content_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_content=fulltext&utm_campaign=26-August-20-elife-alert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">estimated 69%</a> of transmissions on board were transmitted asymptomatically. The Ruby Princess had a COVID outbreak in March 2020 with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-12/nsw-ruby-princess-class-action-trial-covid-19-testing-sydney/101527156" target="_blank" rel="noopener">around 700 cases</a>. Yet health authorities allowed passengers to disembark in Sydney without testing, who then dispersed around the country at a time we had no vaccines. Our research <a href="http://www.ijtmgh.com/article_119534_550421b9e1139603f85c3fc9af97d25a.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">showed</a> this resulted in growing community clusters for weeks afterwards. But it’s not 2020 We now have vaccines. But vaccination rates vary globally (and cruise passengers are often from many countries). Some vaccines are <a href="https://pmj.bmj.com/content/postgradmedj/98/1159/389.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less effective than others</a>, not everyone is up-to-date with their <a href="https://theconversation.com/millions-of-australians-still-havent-had-their-covid-boosters-what-message-could-convince-them-now-190482" target="_blank" rel="noopener">booster shots</a>, <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/377/bmj-2022-071113" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccine immunity wanes</a> (even after having a booster), and current vaccines are generally <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-in-protection-against-omicron-between-2-doses-and-3-doses-of-vaccine-176447" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less-effective</a> against currently circulating Omicron subvariants. This means people can be infected and infectious despite being vaccinated. Many of us have also had COVID, especially in 2022. But our immunity following infection (whether or not we’re also up to date with our vaccines) wanes too. People who were infected with older variants may also have a <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq1841" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dampened immune response to Omicron</a>, which means limited protection. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Australia’s COVID vax program has lost all momentum: booster rates are going nowhere. The $11 million winter booster communication campaign had no impact. An updated Omicron vaccine is on the way, but have we lost the motivation to get a shot? <a href="https://twitter.com/GrattanInst?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GrattanInst</a> <a href="https://t.co/DjHeW59ssT">pic.twitter.com/DjHeW59ssT</a> — #UnhealthyIndustries (@WePublicHealth) <a href="https://twitter.com/WePublicHealth/status/1575705478461419520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2022</a></blockquote> Cruise ships and health authorities have also tightened up their COVID protocols. The New South Wales government, for instance, publishes on its website <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel/cruising-rules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the COVID risk</a> of in-coming vessels. It places ships in one of three categories according to a number of factors, including the number of COVID cases on board. Cruise ships also have <a href="https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/coral-princess-covid-outbreak/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strict protocols</a> for controlling and managing outbreaks. This includes masks for close contacts, mandatory isolation for infected passengers for five days, and testing of anyone with symptoms. The problem is that transmission can continue because of asymptomatic infections. The ship may need medical evacuations or assistance for severely ill people. There is also the problem of infection being transmitted to communities on shore after people without symptoms disembark. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> .<a href="https://twitter.com/PrincessCruises?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrincessCruises</a> Majestic Princess had at least 116 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cruise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cruise</a> guests with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> when it arrived in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tahiti?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tahiti</a>, according to a local newspaper. <a href="https://t.co/LtvDaVKIaR">https://t.co/LtvDaVKIaR</a> — James (Jim) Walker (@CruiseLaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/CruiseLaw/status/1585389753591279616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></blockquote> We can do more People disembarking and unknowingly spreading the virus is especially a problem for small towns. The itinerary of the Coral Princess, which has since been modified, included the Western Australian towns of Broome and Geraldton, both of which have large Aboriginal communities, and other towns, such as Albany and Busselton. Small towns may not have a hospital, may have limited access to health care, and would not have capacity to deal with many severely ill patients. Capacity for medical evacuations are also limited. In the map below, we can see how hospitals are distributed in rural areas around Broome. Most hospitals are near Perth and the southwest coast. Broome has one hospital with about 40 beds. Large hospitals in Perth and Darwin are about 2,000 kilometres away, which would be the destinations for medical evacuations of severely ill patients. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Map showing distribution of hospitals in Western Australia" /></a><figcaption>Most major hospitals are near Perth, which is about 2,000 kilometres from Broome. Samsung Lim, author provided</figcaption></figure> So it’s important to monitor for outbreaks in Broome after the Coral Princess docked there this week, and ensure availability of testing to enable early intervention (such as antiviral drugs) to control outbreaks. Cruises with outbreaks on board should ideally <a href="https://ozsage.org/working_group/regional-rural-and-remote/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avoid</a> small towns or remote locations with limited health services or vulnerable populations, as the impacts on these communities may be much greater than in a large city. Visiting small towns during an on-board epidemic <a href="https://ozsage.org/media_releases/ozsage-position-statement-cruise-ship-epidemic-and-risk-to-small-towns-in-western-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">would be safer</a> if everyone who disembarks is tested first, is negative, and wears a mask on shore. What else could we do? The cruising industry has acknowledged the reality of COVID being a continuing threat. This could be improved by recognising the role of asymptomatic transmission in testing policies. For instance, all passengers and crew should have a negative rapid antigen test at the start of the cruise, and during an outbreak. All close contacts and all disembarking passengers should be tested for COVID, regardless of symptoms. The cost of testing would be much less than the lost costs of large epidemics. During a cruise epidemic, companies also need to consider the locations being visited, how much COVID is already present there (some remote towns have very little COVID) and available health-care systems for locals. Rapid use of antivirals may also help to control epidemics on board as these allow passengers testing positive to <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(22)00644-2/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clear the virus faster</a>. The aviation industry <a href="https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/12-19_walkinshaw.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">does well</a> in providing safe air in-flight. The cruise industry has also started <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles.cfm?ID=5474" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changing ventilation</a> to add fresh air instead of recirculated air indoors. But there is still some way to go before we can say the threat of COVID is over, on-board or on land.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/193384/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> Writen by C Raina MacIntyre. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/cruise-ships-are-back-and-carrying-covid-no-its-not-2020-but-heres-what-needs-to-happen-next-193384" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Getty Images

Cruising

10 incredible things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city that defies definitions. An intersection at which modern living combines with old-fashioned sensibilities, Tokyo has been captivating tourists for years. We’re going to take a look at the top 10 things to do when visiting this famous city. It’s fair to say a visit to this famous city is not complete without trying these experiences. We've also included a selection of photographs depicting these experiences. To see them all, scroll through the gallery above. The pictures correspond to the list below. 1. Tsukiji Market – If you’re an early riser, Tsukiji Market offers world famous tuna auctions that start around 5am and are truly an experience for travellers to behold. 2. Meiji-jingū – The centrepiece of this captivating shrine is the towering, 12 metre high gate created from 1500-year-cyprus, which gives the region an authentic feel. 3. Shibuya Crossing – We’ve covered this <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/shibuya-pedestrian-crossing-japan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pedestrian crossing before</a>, but it’s definitely worth a second mention. Controlled chaos on an unimaginable scale. 4. Sensō-ji – One of Japan’s most-famous temples, which is home to a golden image of Kannon (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) and a variety of captivating sights. 5. Tokyo Sky Tree – Opening in May 2012 as the world’s tallest free standing tower, Tokyo Sky Tree provides glorious, panoramic views of the enchanting surrounds. 6. Tokyo National Museum – This captivating museum has a range of exhibits including pottery, sculptures, weapons and the world’s largest collection of Japanese art. 7. Ōedo Onsen Monogatari – An onsen (hot spring)-themed amusement park gives you the real onsen (hot spring) experience and provides utter relaxation. 8. Kabuki-za – Providing a captivating observation of Japanese culture, this ancient theatre allows visitors to experience a range of memorable performances. 9. Sumo wrestling – A traditional sumo wrestling tournament is a must-see experience for anyone visiting Japan and is a captivating look at this ancient culture. 10. Zoetrope – Whisky fans need look no further than Zoetrope, which has more than 300 varieties of Japanese whisky, including some no longer commercially available. Image: Getty

Travel Tips

Ian Thorpe gets his Olympic report card

Ian Thorpe has proven he doesn’t need to be in the pool at the Olympics to be a star. Twenty-one years after first winning gold at the Sydney Olympic Games, Thorpe has given his expert commentary for Channel 7 during the Tokyo games – and fans are absolutely loving it. From winning gold medals to predicting the future, Ian Thorpe has proved he can do it all at the Olympics. Twenty-one years after first winning gold at the Sydney Games, Thorpedo is playing a starring role in Tokyo – but in a very different capacity. The Australian swimming legend is giving his expert analysis for Channel 7. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="../media/7842727/ian-thorpe-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/60b14eeb144d4ffcb3369202de846398" /> Thorpe always believed Titmus was going to bring it home late. Image: Supplied. Through the swimming legend’s insight, he predicted what Katie Ledecky’s final time would be and got within a second of the stopwatch. Thorpe went at it again during Aussie superstar Ariarne Titmus’ second blockbuster showdown of the Games with Ledecky in the 200m freestyle final on Tuesday. “I think Ariarne has Ledecky covered in this race,” Thorpe said. “She can transition a lot better into different speeds. So she’ll build up her speed, whereas Katie Ledecky seems to get stuck in one gear. “She has a consistency that comes with that speed, but she can’t increase it in any way — it doesn’t develop. “Whereas when you saw Ariarne come over the top of Ledecky in the 400m freestyle final, she was gradually increasing that speed and there was a 0.4 second difference in their last 50m.” Thorpe was right again, proving his expertise is on point. Ledecky went hard and Titmus was trailing the whole way up until the final lap. The 20-year-old from Tasmania eventually overtook her biggest rival in the final 25m to win gold medal No. 2. Thorpe took time to point out Titmus’ turning ability, and said she was accelerating into the wall and springing off of it better than Ledecky was. The Aussie finally took the lead for the first time at the final turn. His fellow Channel 7 commentator Leisel Jones, who has competed in four Olympics, praised Thorpe when Japan’s Ohashi Yui won the 200m women’s individual medley. “I’m going to say Thorpey called that before we started,” Jones said during Seven’s broadcast. “He said, ‘Watch for Ohashi Yui to go for the double’.” “After seeing that 400 IM, this was the clear frontrunner in this race,” Thorpe said when explaining why he tipped Ohashi to win again. Aussie watchers have praised the Olympic swimmer for his brilliant commentary, with one saying: “He is amazing, I love listening to him. Another wrote: “Ian Thorpe owns commentary. He regularly calls the winner 50m out.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Love <a href="https://twitter.com/IanThorpe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IanThorpe</a> commentary for the swimming. — Eric (@bananman1234) <a href="https://twitter.com/bananman1234/status/1420593762816847872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote> A third person added: “How wonderful Ian Thorpe’s commentary. He is so informative, speaks so calmly.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> And how wonderful is Ian Thorpe’s commentary.He is so informative,speaks so calmly.Great👏 — Lynette (@lynettekc) <a href="https://twitter.com/lynettekc/status/1420566887612616704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <a href="https://twitter.com/lynettekc/status/1420566887612616704?s=21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://twitter.com/lynettekc/status/1420566887612616704?s=21</a> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Ian Thorpe is the Ricky Ponting of swimming commentary. — justin1flynn 🐯🏆🏆🏆 (@justin1flynn) <a href="https://twitter.com/justin1flynn/status/1420558861140852741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote> Image: Neal Simpson/EMPICS via Getty Images

Cafe won’t let guests leave until they finish their work

If you struggle a lot with procrastination then the only thing left for you to do is to book a ticket to Japan and head to this one cafe. Unless you procrastinate that too, but hear us out. Manuscript Writing Cafe in Tokyo is the one-stop destination for procrastinators looking to get their work done. There are 10 workstations and people are allowed to leave ONLY when they have finished their work. And the staff will make sure you have completed your projects as they come to check in on you at least six times an hour. They also bring with them free snacks, tea, coffee, water and high-speed wifi. Once you have completed all your tasks, you are given a paper with an orange stamp and you are free to leave. The video was shared to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@leanneinjapan/video/7095383871398694149?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> and has been viewed more than 624,000 times and has received around 120,000 likes with many commenting about how they need to be at the cafe all the time. “Yup, I definitely need to work there.. ah.. maybe later,” one wrote. “Kindness and torture at the same time,” someone commented. “I guess I'm bringing a sleeping bag,” another joked. “I’ll go later,” another joked about procrastinating their visit. “So essentially I'd be living there,” read another. Images: TikTok

International Travel

Global emissions almost back to pre-pandemic levels after unprecedented drop in 2020, new analysis shows

Global carbon dioxide emissions have bounced back after COVID-19 restrictions and are likely to reach close to pre-pandemic levels this year, <a href="https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2021-386/">our analysis</a> released today has found. The troubling finding comes as world leaders meet at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow in a last-ditch bid to keep dangerous global warming at bay. The analysis was undertaken by the <a href="https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget">Global Carbon Project</a>, a consortium of scientists from around the world who produce, collect and analyse global greenhouse gas information. The fast recovery in CO₂ emissions, following last year’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/global-emissions-are-down-by-an-unprecedented-7-but-dont-start-celebrating-just-yet-151757">sharp drop</a>, should come as no surprise. The world’s strong economic rebound has created a surge in demand for energy, and the global energy system is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Most concerning is the long-term upward trends of CO₂ emissions from oil and gas, and this year’s growth in coal emissions, which together are far from trending towards net-zero by 2050. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429724/original/file-20211102-28770-1s1j889.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="people seated around U-shaped table" /> The troubling findings come as world leaders meet at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. Evan Vucci/AP <h2>The global emissions picture</h2> Global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels dropped by 5.4% in 2020, compared to the previous year. But they are set to increase by about 4.9% above 2020 levels this year, reaching 36.4 billion tonnes. This brings them almost back to 2019 levels. We can expect another 2.9 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions this year from the net effect of everything we do to the land, including deforestation, degradation and re-vegetation. This brings us to a total of 39.4 billion tonnes of CO₂ to be emitted by the end of this year. The fast growth in emissions matches the corresponding large increase in energy demand as the global economy opens up, with the help of <a href="https://www.f4b-initiative.net/post/majority-of-17-2-trillion-covid-stimulus-packages-doing-more-harm-than-good-to-environment">US$17.2 trillion</a> in economic stimulus packages around the world. CO₂ emissions from all fossil fuel types (coal, oil and natural gas) grew this year, with emissions from coal and natural gas set to grow more in 2021 than they fell in 2020. Emissions from global coal use were declining before the pandemic hit in early 2020 but they surged back this year. Emissions from global gas use have returned to the rising trend seen before the pandemic. CO₂ emissions from global oil use remain well below pre-pandemic levels but are expected to increase in coming years as road transport and aviation recover from COVID-related restrictions. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429469/original/file-20211031-17-1pa5f0i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429469/original/file-20211031-17-1pa5f0i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> Global fossil CO₂ emissions. Source: Global Carbon Project, https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget <h2>Nations leading the emissions charge</h2> Emissions from China have recovered faster than other countries. It’s among the few countries where emissions grew in 2020 (by 1.4%) followed by a projected growth of 4% this year. Taking these two years together, CO₂ emissions from China in 2021 are projected to be 5.5% above 2019 levels, reaching 11.1 billion tonnes. China accounted for 31% of global emissions in 2020. Coal emissions in China are estimated to grow by 2.4% this year. If realised, it would match what was thought to be China’s peak coal emissions in 2013. India’s CO₂ emissions are projected to grow even faster than China’s this year at 12.6%, after a 7.3% fall last year. Emissions this year are set to be 4.4% above 2019 levels – reaching 2.7 billion tonnes. India accounted for 7% of global emissions in 2020. Emissions from both the US and European Union are projected to rise 7.6% this year. It would lead to emissions that are, respectively, 3.7% and 4.2% below 2019 levels. US and EU, respectively, accounted for 14% and 7% of global emissions in 2020. Emissions in the rest of the world (including all international transport, particularly aviation) are projected to rise 2.9% this year, but remain 4.2% below 2019 levels. Together, these countries represent 59% of global emissions. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429471/original/file-20211031-75805-1jh07jf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429471/original/file-20211031-75805-1jh07jf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> Regional fossil CO₂ emissions 2019-2021. Source: Global Carbon Project, https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget <h2>The remaining carbon budget</h2> The relatively large changes in annual emissions over the past two years have had no discernible effect in the speed at which CO₂ accumulates in the atmosphere. CO₂ concentrations, and associated global warming, are driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases – particularly CO₂ – since the beginning of the industrial era. This accumulation has accelerated in recent decades. To stop further global warming, global CO₂ emissions must stop or reach net-zero – the latter meaning that any remaining CO₂ emissions would have to be compensated for by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere. Carbon budgets are a useful way of measuring how much CO₂ can be emitted for a given level of global warming. In our latest analysis, we updated the carbon budget outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://templatelab.com/climate-change-report-2021/">IPCC</a>) in August this year. From the beginning of 2022, the world can emit an additional 420 billion tonnes of CO₂ to limit global warming to 1.5℃, or 11 years of emissions at this year’s rate. To limit global warming to 2℃, the world can emit an additional 1,270 billion tonnes of CO₂ – or 32 years of emissions at the current rate. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429886/original/file-20211103-19-fl69o8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429886/original/file-20211103-19-fl69o8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> The remaining carbon budgets to limit warming to 1.5℃ and 2℃. Updated from IPCC 2021. Source: Global Carbon Project, https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget These budgets are the compass to net-zero emissions. Consistent with the pledge by <a href="https://eciu.net/netzerotracker">many countries</a> to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, CO₂ emissions need to decline by 1.4 billion tonnes each year, on average. This is an amount comparable to the drop during 2020, of 1.9 billion tonnes. This fact highlights the extraordinary challenge ahead and the need to increase short- and long-term commitments to drive down global emissions.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/170866/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pep-canadell-16541">Pep Canadell</a>, Chief research scientist, Climate Science Centre, CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere; and Executive Director, Global Carbon Project, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/corinne-le-quere-315624">Corinne Le Quéré</a>, Royal Society Research Professor of Climate Change Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-east-anglia-1268">University of East Anglia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/glen-peters-114835">Glen Peters</a>, Research Director, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/center-for-international-climate-and-environment-research-oslo-707">Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pierre-friedlingstein-903247">Pierre Friedlingstein</a>, Chair, Mathematical Modelling of Climate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-exeter-1190">University of Exeter</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robbie-andrew-422668">Robbie Andrew</a>, Senior Researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/center-for-international-climate-and-environment-research-oslo-707">Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rob-jackson-213135">Rob Jackson</a>, Professor, Department of Earth System Science, and Chair of the Global Carbon Project, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/stanford-university-890">Stanford University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/global-emissions-almost-back-to-pre-pandemic-levels-after-unprecedented-drop-in-2020-new-analysis-shows-170866">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Olympic and Paralympic athletes light up Sydney Opera House

As the Paralympic cauldron was extinguished, celebrating the end of the Tokyo Games 2020 in the National Stadium on Sunday night, a show of another kind was unfolding on the sails of the Sydney Opera House. With various states of lockdown still affecting many in Australia, there was no chance for ticker tape parades and crowded streets of cheering supporters to celebrate our returning athletes. So, a modern twist for an age-old tradition was found. Athletes and their families everywhere – whether still in Tokyo, in quarantine back in Australia – could tune into a five-and-a-half-hour livestream like no other. All 665 of Australia's Paralympians and Olympians had their faces and names projected onto the Opera House sails for 30 seconds each, giving them their moment in the spotlight. Two official photographers captured thousands of photos from the livestream along with Olympic and Paralympic montages and ‘Thank you Tokyo’ shots, with every athlete to receive a personalised image as an Australian-made gift to remember their Tokyo experience. Largest show of this kind at the Opera House According to the NSW government this was the largest collection of images ever projected onto the Sydney Opera House. Working with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, Sydney Opera House and The Electric Canvas, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet managed the project, collecting every athlete's image over two weeks then mapping them onto a design concept to fit the Opera House sails. The Games have been credited with giving people in every state and territory a positive boost and a break from the stress of lockdown and the seemingly never-ending coverage of COVID. Australia's athletes were impressive right to the end, with Madison de Rozario winning the women’s Paralympic marathon while teammate and marathon newcomer Jaryd Clifford, finished with a silver in the men's event on the final day. While the Games are nothing without the athletes, and they deserve their Opera House tribute, many of them will tell you their own lasting memories will be of the volunteers who for days on end stood in the heat and humidity directing busloads of competitors and officials. They were also making sure the fridges stayed full of water, or were simply charged with reminding every single person that passed through the security gates to "please, sanitise your hands". Some of the best quotes of the Paralympic Games As a final tribute, the Olympic Information Service in Tokyo compiled some of the best quotes of the Paralympic Games, which we share with you now as a final farewell: "I wouldn't change anything. I'd break my neck again if I could." - Australian wheelchair rugby player, Richard Voris on "living the dream" after his friend accidentally jumped on his neck while swimming, leaving him quadriplegic. "When I modelled for (US fashion label) Tommy Hilfiger I had this realisation that this perfect body does not exist; only a handful of people have this type of body, this lifestyle. If you look around, all of us have little bumps and bruises all over us and we are all imperfect." - US swimmer Haven Shepherd, who lost both her legs at 14 months old when her parents strapped a bomb to themselves and held her in their arms in an attempted family suicide in Vietnam. "I love what the Paralympics represents – it represents more than sport, it represents people with disability, succeeding in what they love, it gives us purpose, it gives us a passion, it changes cultures, changes perceptions. We can work, we can get jobs, we can be teachers, we can be mums, we can be dads, we can travel, we can be partners, we can have kids, we can do so much." - Australia's tennis quad singles gold medalist Dylan Alcott, on the power of the Paralympics. "It was so good to have a female on the podium – that just happened to be me." - British track cyclist Kadeena Cox who won the gold medal in the C1-5 750m team sprint, reflecting on being the only woman in the mixed team final. "I was literally swimming using one lung. I risked my life by coming here because my right lung is not functioning. But I came here to deliver a message representing millions of refugees around the world. There are thousands and thousands of disabled refugee athletes who are counting on me, so I didn't want to let them down." - Syrian-born swimmer Ibrahim Al Hussein, representing the Refugee Paralympic Team, revealing he competed at Tokyo against the advice of his doctor. Image: Getty Images

Domestic Travel

World’s tallest athlete towering in Tokyo

The world’s tallest athlete Morteza Mehrzad, who competes sitting down, is 246cm tall and he’s part of the Iranian men’s sitting volleyball team which is on track for back-to-back gold medals at the Paralympics. The middle-eastern nation has dominated the sport for decades — winning six of the past eight gold medals in the men’s game — but it’s the addition of Mehrzad which has made the team even more unbeatable. The 33-year-old is the second tallest man alive and the tallest Paralympian in history. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.12648221343875px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843638/tallest-athlete-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e7faee5aa18846fc80928421dc4af12c" /> In a sport where players with a variety of ailments sit down and try to get the ball over the net which is approximately 1.15m off the floor, it’s very easy for Mehrzad. Iran will meet the sport’s other powerhouse Bosnia Herzegovina in the semi-finals on Thursday night in a rematch of the gold medal game in Rio four years ago. On that occasion, Mehrzad made the difference and Iran won the medal. Iran’s coach asked Mehrzad to join Iran’s coach Hadi Rezaeigarkani saw Mehrzad on a TV program about physical disorders and got in contact with him, asking him to join the team. He took up the sport nine years ago and made his international debut in 2016 and immediately started winning awards. He’s only improved, continuing to dominate at the Paralympics. Even sitting down, when Mehrzad raises his right arm, it reaches a height of 1.93 metres. When spiking — the term used to describe a forceful attacking shot to get the ball over the net — he can get his dominant hand up to 2.3m in the air. It’s not all good news for the Iranian sports star While it’s easy to see why Mehrzad would be happy with his progress, it isn’t all good news for the Iranian superstar. He suffers from acromegaly - a medical condition which arises from the brain’s pituitary gland producing too much growth hormone after the body’s growth plates have closed. By the age of 16 he was already over 1.9m tall. Mehrzad rarely stands up though because he seriously injured his pelvis in a bike accident as a teenager, meaning he now spends significant amounts of time either on crutches or in a wheelchair. His right leg has stopped growing and it’s about 15cm shorter than his left. The sad reality is that while he’s helping his teammates to win and bringing recognition to his country in Tokyo at the moment, his condition does not bode well for his long term future. A spokesperson for his team said: “His health is not going well. His health is currently declining because he’s getting taller. I think he’s still growing. The first time we saw him he could walk better but now he has to walk with crutches.” But now is a time for Mehrzad and his team to focus on the positives. Iran has won six gold medals and two silvers across the past eight Paralympics, and with Mehrzad’s help, it looks likely they’ll be heading home from these Games with some more medals as well. Image: Getty Images

Body

Gold! Gold! Gold! Australia wins gold to lead the Paralympics

The Paralympics have started in Tokyo and on the first day, Australia has won six gold medals, one silver and three bronze which puts us at the top of the medal tally. It was Australian cyclists who won the first two medals of the Games. Paige Greco and Emily Petricola both won their cycling events at the velodrome – the first two medals of the Games. The swimmers took things a step further with four golds to William Martin, Lakeisha Patterson and best mates Ben Popham and Rowan Crothers. Popham – who won both the men’s S8 100m freestyle - said to the media at the time: "I always tell my friends and family at home to not stress at the 50 if I'm not leading, and I quietly backed myself to reel 'em in but it still feels incredible." "I'm not sure the emotion's going to set in for a while," he added. Winners talked about the positive effect of the Games When talking to the media, our winners were full of inspiring messages for young people with disabilities, talking about how competing for the Games has transformed their lives. Rowan Crowthers, who won the S10 50m freestyle and suffers from cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease said: "When I was really young, my disability was so severe and I started with swimming to help my cerebral palsy as that kind of therapy.” "Back then, I hated it. I couldn't stand it”, he said. "If it wasn't for discovering the Paralympics, I never would have even come close to this. It's amazing to come up here and do this now and I've proved that I'm not just a person with a disability, I'm also an elite athlete," he added. Petricola said, after recording a world record at the Games, said she found her sport at a critical turning point in her life, kicking off a journey which has come to the point where she won her cycling event at the Games. She said "words can't describe" how grateful she was to Olympic rowing silver medallist Matt Ryan for suggesting she take up cycling and push for Tokyo and five-time Olympic cyclist Shane Kelly for his help along the way. "They've changed my life and they've saved my life," she said, before going on to thank her family and a long list of other supporters. Excellence in the middle-distance swimming The next events at the Paralympics were the middle-distance swimming and William Martin and Lakeisha Patterson took out the men's and women's S9 400m freestyle. Patterson powered home to win over Hungary's Zsofia Konkoly while Martin said he was just following his coach's instructions. "He told me to jump into this race as a bit of an introduction to the meet," said Martin, standing alongside bronze medal winning teammate Alexander Tuckfield. "I went alright, I guess I'll just do what I'm told, see how things go, and yeah, here we are." Patterson said: “All I could do was attack it from the start and hold on. It was such a good race by everyone. I knew I had it in me. I knew what I was capable of but to be able to finally put all the pieces together was really exciting. "It's been such a long, hard couple of years. So, it's just really really nice — oh my god, I told my couch I wasn't going to cry," she added. Still in the pool, Paige Leonhardt claimed silver in the S14 women's butterfly, just a second ahead of teammate Ruby Storm who won third. Benjamin James Hance finished third in the men's equivalent of the same race. Photos: Getty Images

News

Team GB rocked by doping controversy at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Great Britain's men’s track team is in danger of having their silver medal being stripped, after one of its athletes tested positive for banned substances. Britain's Olympic 4x100m relay silver medallist Chijindu 'CJ' Ujah has been provisionally suspended for allegedly breaching strict anti-doping rules at the games. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) reported that athlete had returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from a test carried during the Olympics in Japan. The substances detected were Ostarine and S-23, which are both classified by the World Anti-doping Organisation, as they have similar effects to steroids. The substances have been banned from the Olympics for some time, as they help build muscle and enhance overall sporting performance. CJ responded to the news of the doping scandal with a cryptic Instagram post that said, “Stay focused… Because truth is madder than fiction.” CJ is allowed to request independent analysis of the sample to prove his innocence and keep his Olympic title. If he is found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs, it could be devastating for his fellow members of the relay team. Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake will also be at risk of being stripped if the positive is confirmed. The news comes after three other track and field athletes were suspended during the Games for suspected doping. Moroccan-born Bahraini 1,500m runner Sadik Mikhou, Georgian shot putter Benik Abramyan and Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno Odhiambo were listed for using performance-enhancing drugs, and remain under investigation by the AIU. Image credit: Getty Images

Legal

World’s most relatable Olympic Athlete

In a bittersweet moment, the entire nation watched as the affable hurdler Nicholas Hough battled in the semi-final of the 110m on Wednesday. While he sadly failed to reach the finals, he did cross the line in 13.88 - just half a second slower than his heat time. However, Hough made international headlines after colliding with every single hurdle on his way through. It has been revealed the Australian Olympian was dealing with an injury he’d suffered from due to his previous race. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Nicholas Hough just put in a lovely trial to represent the <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWWaratahs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSWWaratahs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/110mHurdle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#110mHurdle</a> — Matt Taylor 🐎💨 (@DreamTeamMatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/DreamTeamMatt/status/1422740467934851083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2021</a></blockquote> "I'm just happy I got out there on the track today, I had a bit of a sore calf after the heat yesterday," Hough said. While the sportsman was able to run on the injury, he was forced to limit his preparation for the big semi-final. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842844/nicholas-hough.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6b233c7062014609babcd7a49b0a332b" /> Image: Getty Images "I didn't know how bad it was gonna get, but I got through the race. Be a bit sore tomorrow, but that's OK. "It was a bit of a struggle to warm up, didn't have much power getting going and driving through the hurdles - but it's great to be out here representing Australia." American Grant Holloway qualified fastest for tomorrow's final, with a time of 13.13. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Nicholas Hough is a legend. Injured, but still ran. He knew what it meant. — Johnny Worthington (@jworthington) <a href="https://twitter.com/jworthington/status/1422774692591534081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2021</a></blockquote> Hough is determined to spend the next three years building up for the 2024 games in France. "It's a big couple of years - Paris is my time, that's going to be the big one for me,” he said. Image: Instagram <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/nick_hough/?hl=en" target="_blank">@Nick_Hough</a>

News

Sunrise host reports at Tokyo Olympics in the middle of an earthquake

Bizarre television footage has captured the moment a Sunrise TV host was caught in the middle of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake during the Tokyo Olympics. Reporter Mark Beretta was standing atop one of the 10-storey temporary broadcasting towers outside the stadium when the grounds were rocked by a quake. “Welcome back to the Olympic city where we are currently in an earthquake, an earth tremor,” the startled journalist said. “The roof above us is moving and you might notice our lights and camera are moving as well.” The earthquake continued for around 30 seconds, before Beretta could shakily continue undisturbed <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> "Welcome back to the Olympic city where we are currently in an earthquake"<a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBeretta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarkBeretta</a> just powered through his sports report while Tokyo was being hit by a tremor 👊🏻 <a href="https://t.co/O4pUxM1yHD">pic.twitter.com/O4pUxM1yHD</a> — Sunrise (@sunriseon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/1422664463157653507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote> Japan is prone to shakes, so thankfully most of the buildings for the Tokyo olympics are “earthquake proof,” Beretta said. “That was quite an unusual moment, I have not been through an earthquake before,” Beretta told concerned co-hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr, who were watching from a Sydney studio. “We’re in a tower, which at home would be made of scaffolding, but here it is made of construction steel.” The 5.8 magnitude tremor hit at 5.33 am local time. The German Research Centre for Geosciences reported that the epicentre of the tremor was out at sea, off Tokyo’s coast, at a shallow depth of 10km.

News

“I’m in shock”: Olympian stuns the world with “impossible” run

Norway’s Karsten Warholm has had an incredible run by smashing his own “impossible” world record, taking the gold in the men's 400m hurdles. Warholm clocked in at a remarkable 45.94 seconds. He beat his previous world best of 46.70sec. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842812/norway-world-record-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4a6da1c59057416f9b46990d2d57993b" /> Image: Supplied He went head to head with American Rai Benjamin, who came under the previous world record mark and won silver. Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos claimed bronze in 46.72. Warholm’s feat is something never-before-seen, as only four runners in history have ever clocked sub-47sec times, let alone sub-46. Seven of the eight runners also recorded their personal best times. The race was one that came down to the final 20m. As Warholm’s world record time flashed on the big screen, he roared and ripped open his shirt. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842813/norway-world-record.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/60445dd9738a4b799bc26111795783a6" /> Image: Getty Aussie icon and commentator Bruce McAvaney, described the win as one of the most iconic performances ever seen at the Olympics. He said it competed with Usain Bolt's 9.63sec 100m run at the London Olympics. "It will go down as the greatest 400m hurdles ever run and arguably the greatest race we have seen at an Olympic Games. What a contest," McAvaney said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Karsten Warholm's 45.95 in the 400-meter hurdles took .75 of a second off of the world record. To take that much off of the WR in an event human beings have been running for 120+ years should not be possible. It should not be possible! — Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) <a href="https://twitter.com/jgault13/status/1422399636698923010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote> Former Aussie athletics star Tamsyn Manou said the shock of the race left her speechless. "I'm in shock. Bruce, I'm in shock. I cannot believe for the men's 400m hurdles there is a 45 second run," she said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Ppl, I don’t think you realize what you just watched. A man just ran Sub 46 in the 400M Hurdles. That’s Beamon’s jump in Mexico City, Bolt’s sub 9.6 in 100 meters. I saw Kevin Young run 46.78 in Barcelona, still can’t believe Warholm ran that fast. Geeeeezzz — shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShannonSharpe/status/1422400410812252165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote> "We've taken this event to a place where I don't think anybody (expected). "Everybody was talking about a world record, but I don't think anybody would have said it will be won in sub-46 seconds." American sports commentator Tom Harrington said: "That 400 meters hurdles was the greatest in history". Image: Getty

News

Emma McKeon shines on Australia’s best ever day in Olympic history: “Very, very special”

Australia has broken its own personal records, by having its anthem played four times on repeat in a single day. Sunday will be known as the most successful day for the Australian Olympic team, with two gold medals coming from the pool, one in BMX freestyle and another in sailing – it’s no surprise the country cannot tear their eyes from the TV. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842778/tokyo-olympics-august-1-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9db99b5f6bb84ce2ac1ca80feb963bb7" /> Image Credit: Getty Images Day 9 also shone light on an incredibly humble Aussie who has already taken seven medals at the Tokyo 2020 swim meet, Emma McKeon. The 27-year-old has clearly taken her undeniable success in stride, telling reports her monumental medal haul feels “very surreal”. “I only hear from you guys [the media] those kind of stats. I look at the athletes that have come before me. I’ve been so impressed by what they’ve done, so inspired. “But I’ve never really been into the stats of the medal counts. But to be in that kind of company, it’s an honour. I know that I’ve worked hard for it.” McKeon’s four golds and three bronze medals in Tokyo have made her the most decorated Australian athlete at a single Olympics. Only one other woman in history has won seven medals at the one Olympics – Soviet gymnast Maria Gorokhovskaya in 1952. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842777/tokyo-olympics-august-1-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bec8d9c90d8a464c993c6bac77b9581f" /> Image credit: Getty Images Just two men – American swimmer Michael Phelps and Soviet gymnast Alexander Dityatin – have won eight. In total, McKeon has swum in seven finals, three semi-finals and three heats. In every event she has entered, the Wollongong-born swimmer walked away with a medal, four of them gold. “I don’t know how she does it,” said teammate Kyle Chalmers on Sunday. “I’m physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted … She does it day in, day out. to win seven medals just sounds out of this world, in one Games. To win one gold medal, or win one Olympic medal is an incredible achievement. “To win seven is very, very special.” Image credit: Getty Images

News

Emma McKeon shines on Australia’s best ever day in Olympic history

Australia has broken its own personal records, by having its anthem played four times on repeat in a single day. Sunday will be known as the most successful day for the Australian Olympic team, with two gold medals coming from the pool, one in BMX freestyle and another in sailing – it’s no surprise the country cannot tear their eyes from the TV. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842771/tokyo-olympics-august-1-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9f38dc13427f4c7f89d030a117a10efb" /> Gold Medalist Logan Martin of Team Australia poses for a picture on the podium after Men's Park Final of the BMX Freestyle on day nine of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Image: Getty Images. Day 9 also shone light on an incredibly humble Aussie who has already taken seven medals at the Tokyo 2020 swim meet, Emma McKeon. The 27-year-old has clearly taken her undeniable success in stride, telling reports her monumental medal haul feels “very surreal”. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842772/tokyo-olympics-august-1-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a0f6b7fac37c48269f13a4b3859f7ce6" /> Silver medallist Croatia's Tonci Stipanovic, gold medallist Australia's Matthew Wearn and bronze medallist Norway's Hermann Tomasgaard after the men's one-person dinghy laser radial medal race during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games sailing competition. Image: Getty “I only hear from you guys [the media] those kind of stats. I look at the athletes that have come before me. I’ve been so impressed by what they’ve done, so inspired. “But I’ve never really been into the stats of the medal counts. But to be in that kind of company, it’s an honour. I know that I’ve worked hard for it.” McKeon’s four golds and three bronze medals in Tokyo have made her the most decorated Australian athlete at a single Olympics. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842770/tokyo-olympics-august-1-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bb527a98ca6f4fdd90675ce1114980ae" /> Emma McKeon after winning Gold. Image: Getty Only one other woman in history has won seven medals at the one Olympics – Soviet gymnast Maria Gorokhovskaya in 1952. Just two men – American swimmer Michael Phelps and Soviet gymnast Alexander Dityatin – have won eight. In total, McKeon has swum in seven finals, three semi-finals and three heats. In every event she has entered, the Wollongong-born swimmer walked away with a medal, four of them gold. “I don’t know how she does it,” said teammate Kyle Chalmers on Sunday. “I’m physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted … She does it day in, day out. to win seven medals just sounds out of this world, in one Games. To win one gold medal, or win one Olympic medal is an incredible achievement. “To win seven is very, very special.”

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“Wonder woman on the water”: Jess Fox’s golden moment

For nine years, disappointment has shrouded Australian olympian Jess Fox. But now, she has just become an Olympic gold winner in Tokyo for the first ever women’s C1 Olympic final on Thursday afternoon. Fox is the first slalom paddler to win an Olympic medal of each colour in canoe and kayak events. The world watched on as Britain’s Mallory Franklin initially took an early lead in the final by registering an astonishing time of 108.68. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRv6hdDjQV0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRv6hdDjQV0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jessica Fox (@jessfox94)</a> </div> </blockquote> Germany’s Andrea Herzog also impressed with a time of 111.13, which earned her a spot in the provisional silver medal position. Brazilian athlete Ana Satila also had a solid time, but she sadly copped a brutal 50-second penalty for narrowly missing Gate 22. Fox quickly passed the first checkpoint more than two seconds ahead of Franklin‘s time. She briefly got stuck at Gate 15, however she showed her talent by quickly escaping from the white water at Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre. Fox secured a historic gold medal with an unbelievable time of 105.04. She was three seconds faster than anyone else. “She is a wonder woman on the water. What a performance!” Channel 7 commentator David Culbert cried. Fox’s mother and coach could be seen embracing the champion moments after she completed her run. Australia has reacted in pure elation, with Australian Paralympian Kurt Fearnley tweeting: “JESS FOX!!!!!!!! You are my freaking hero!!!!! So amazing!!!!” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> JESS FOX!!!!!!!! You are my freaking hero!!!!! So amazing!!!! 😭😭😭😭 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> — Kurt Fearnley (@kurtfearnley) <a href="https://twitter.com/kurtfearnley/status/1420648484915400710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote> Channel 7 reporter Tom Browne wrote: “I don’t think there has ever been a more deserved gold medal winner. Jess Fox is a legend. Completely compelling.” Fox Sports presenter Sarah Olle shared her own message: “The Olympics are so cool because you become inexplicably happy for someone you don’t know. Thanks for the ear to ear smile, Jess.” Aussie tennis star Dylan Alcott wrote: “JESS FOX YOU FLAT OUT LEGEND!!! OLYMPIC CHAMPION! Could not think of an athlete more deserving – an incredible athlete but an even better person. YES!” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> JESS FOX YOU FLAT OUT LEGEND!!! OLYMPIC CHAMPION!! Could not think of an athlete more deserving - an incredible athlete but an even better person. YES! <a href="https://twitter.com/jessfoxcanoe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jessfoxcanoe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tokyo2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/olympics?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#olympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gold</a> — Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanAlcott/status/1420648900738699268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote> Fox promised she would return for the Paris Olympics in 2024. “It was amazing to be a part of this women’s C1 event here in Tokyo for the first time ever,” she told Channel 7. “It was a tough couple of days – mentally, emotionally, it took everything out of me. So to put down a run that I’m proud of, I’m over the moon. “I hope we’ve inspired some girls and boys today … I felt the love over from Australia.”

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Barty's brilliantly blunt take on Tokyo heat

As the weather in Tokyo reached the mid-30s, many players have been complaining about being forced to play at the peak of the heat. But, Aussie tennis star Ash Barty had no qualms about the inclement weather and gave a blunt response when asked for her opinion on the conditions. “We’re Aussies, mate. We’re alright,” she told News Corp after her and Storm Sanders’ loss in the women’s doubles against Czech pair Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova. Meanwhile, Spain’s Paula Badosa was taken off the court in a wheelchair after collapsing from heat exhaustion during her quarter-final match against Marketa Vondrousova. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Suspect scenes like these may have played a part in the decision of Olympic organisers to take tennis out of the worst of the heat. Paula Badosa taken off court in a wheelchair with heat exhaustion. <a href="https://t.co/I6GZ4Uq7KY">pic.twitter.com/I6GZ4Uq7KY</a> — James Gray (@jamesgraysport) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamesgraysport/status/1420352664236404739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> “It was a shame to finish my participation in this way,” Badosa said. “The conditions have been demanding from day one. We tried to adapt as best as possible but today the body has not responded as needed. “I have suffered a heat stroke as you all have seen and I did not feel ready to continue.” Russian Daniil Medvedev also struggled with the soaring temperatures during his third round win over Fabio Fognini. Medvedev took two medical timeouts and asked who would be responsible for his death. “I can finish the match but I can die,” he told chair umpire Carlos Ramos when asked if he could continue. “If I die, are you going to be responsible?” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Still alive🥵　<a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/xEJqMGUNsq">pic.twitter.com/xEJqMGUNsq</a> — Daniil Medvedev (@DaniilMedwed) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniilMedwed/status/1420306048758554629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> “I just had darkness in my eyes, like between every point I didn’t know what to do to feel better. “I was bending over and I couldn’t get my breathing together. I was ready to just fall down on the court.” After complaints from world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and several other plays, organisers have since moved the start of play to 3pm local time to offer players some added protection against the heat.

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World reacts with shock to Olympic athlete slapped on live TV

Judo fans were left in shock when German athlete Martyna Trajdos was shaken and slapped in the face by her coach before an Olympic bout in Tokyo. The live broadcast showed the bizarre moment ahead of Trajdos' elimination round of 32 fight with Hungary's Szofi Ozbas on Tuesday afternoon. The German ultimately lost the fight, with Ozbas emerging triumphant by Waza-Ari. However, the footage of Trajdos and her coach inevitably caught the attention of viewers, with many voicing their concern for her well-being. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CR1VL4nqyy6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CR1VL4nqyy6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Martyna Trajdos (@martyna_trajdos)</a> </div> </blockquote> But Trajdos defended the pre-fight ritual <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CR1VL4nqyy6/" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>: "Don't worry guys! That's the ritual which I chose before fights. My coach is just doing what I want him to do to fire me up! "I wish I could have made a different headline today. "As I already said that’s the ritual which I chose pre competition! My coach is just doing what I want him to do to fire me up!"

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Titmus launches to legend status – along with her coach

Ariarne Titmus has won gold in the 400m freestyle in a surprise victory, overtaking American Katie Ledecky in the final 50m. Titmus’ victory comes as Ledecky’s first ever loss of an individual event at a Games, with the Aussie victor winning by 0.67 seconds. As amazing as the win was for Titmus, the reaction of her coach, Dean Boxall, has sent social media into a frenzy. Footage from the Games shows Boxall grabbing his mask, punching the air, shaking the fence, and enthusiastically shouting following Titmus’ win. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> SHOUT AHT DEAN BOXALL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/NyjgB0A3dz">pic.twitter.com/NyjgB0A3dz</a> — Lord Zito (@VivalaZito) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivalaZito/status/1419485527632498700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote> His zealous reaction soon made him an internet sensation, with his excitement quickly being shared across social media. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Ariarne’s coach Dean Boxall sums it up perfectly! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TokyoTogether?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TokyoTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kvww2jpSFy">pic.twitter.com/Kvww2jpSFy</a> — AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/AUSOlympicTeam/status/1419488700069683201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote> Joe Pompliano, a US-based sports and business writer, tweeted: “Ariarne Titmus’ coach just had the best reaction of all time to her 400-metre freestyle gold medal win over Katie Ledecky.” Others were concerned the coach’s popularity would outshine the successful swimmer. “I can already foresee Titmus’ uncomfortably aggressive coach getting more media attention in the US than she does, and I am pre-emptively very very very annoyed by it!!” American sports writer Lindsay Gibbs tweeted. Titmus struggled to keep her emotions in check ahead of her heats in the 200m swim later in the day, but was thrilled with the victory. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it. This past year I don’t know whether it’s gone fast or slow, but to get here was a relief. To come here and do the job. I’m over the moon,” Titmus said. “I thanked her. I wouldn’t be here without her. She set this incredible standard. All credit to her for the swimmer she is. I’ve been trying to chase her. Really exciting now we have this battle going. It’s really fun to race. “The race, I tried to stay as composed as I could, then just tried to stick to my race plan. I can’t believe I pulled it off.” Boxall was in tears at the medal ceremony while embracing Australia’s newest champion. “It was actually hard to contain it (the emotion),” Titmus said. “I could see Dean on the other side bawling his eyes out. You don’t see that that often so that made me want to tear up.” Image: Ariarne Titmus / Instagram, Adrian Arculi / Twitter

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How you can watch the Olympics in Australia

Arriving a year late and without spectators, the Tokyo Olympics are about to start. The Games are due to run until August 8, depending on how Japan fares with its current resurgence in COVID-19 cases. Here’s what you need to know about how and when to watch the Games. Where can I watch the Olympics in Australia? The Tokyo Olympics will be broadcast on free-to-air TV on Channel 7, 7TWO, and 7mate. 7Plus will also be streaming the games 24/7, meaning viewers can catch on anything they have missed during the day. Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra (AEST) are ahead of Tokyo (JST) by one hour, meaning Aussies won’t need to stay up late to watch most events. What time is the opening ceremony? The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics starts at 9pm AEST on Friday, July 23, and will run for about four hours. Due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases in Japan, there will be no fans in the stadium, with only 10,000 diplomats, foreign dignitaries, Olympics sponsors, and members of the International Olympic Committee in attendance. The theme of the opening ceremony is “united by emotion”. The Olympic flag-bearers for Australia are basketball champion Patty Mills, who is the first Indigenous man to do so, and Cate Campbell, the first female swimmer to do so too. When is the closing ceremony? The closing ceremony is due to be held at 9pm AEST on Sunday, August 8, and is expected to run for about three hours. Just like the opening ceremony, Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium will be empty of fans. What sports will be in the Olympics? 33 sports will be featured at the Tokyo Olympics across 339 events, including four new sports: karate, surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing. Baseball and softball will also be included once again, after being dropped following the 2008 Beijing Games. Australians will be competing in all 33 sports at the Games. Image: Tokyo 2020 / Instagram

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"You ought to be ashamed": Aussie tourist causing strife in Japan