The Australian women drew media attention when
they arrived last week as the first national team to come to
Japan for training since the Games were postponed last year over
the coronavirus pandemic.
"You're so cool. I've seen the Australian team a few times, you
guys are really cool," said Masayoshi Shimizu, mayor of the
central city of Ota, about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Tokyo,
the capital.
"Thanks to all of you, Ota City has become famous. I appreciate
it," he told the team on the practice field.
Some of the Japanese public worry that international Olympic
participants might potentially spread the coronavirus.
But all the members of the Australian delegation have been
vaccinated and will be tested each day for the virus.
They are also largely confined to a "bubble" environment,
consisting of hotel and practice facilities, to minimise contact
with people.
The squad is attending a 47-day camp in Ota before moving on to
compete in the Olympics.
The team will play the opening game against hosts Japan, who won
gold in 2008, on July 21, two days before the official opening
ceremony of the Games.
"I think you'll be able to come in second place at the
Olympics," Shimizu told the team.
"The champions will be Japan."
(Reporting by Chris Gallagher in Tokyo; Editing by Clarence
Fernandez)
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