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The Tokyo 2020 Olympics have arrived; here’s what to expect

(Update: Adding video and more information)

COVID-19 guidelines, new sports and prolific stars to headline the games

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Nearly a year later than planned, to the day, the Tokyo Olympics are set to begin.

These Olympic Games will be like none ever before. Olympians will need to wear masks when not competing, no fans will be at stadiums and athletes will be tested daily.

“You have to wear a mask and all that stuff,” Nyjah Huston, a skateboarder for team USA, said.  “It’s still unfortunate, but COVID is still a thing.”

Nearly 90 people associated with the Games have already tested positive including Americans

The Opening Ceremony for the Games will take place early Friday, West Coast time, and some competition has already gotten underway. The United States women's soccer team got off to a rough start, losing 3-0 to Sweden. The U.S. women's softball team started their Olympic campaign with a 1-0 win against Canada.

Four new sports are being added to the Olympics in Tokyo: Karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing will all be featured for the first time.

“Hopefully we have some great waves to perform on,” Caroline Marks, a Team USA surfer said. “Surfing is such a unique sport that we rely on mother nature. I think people will be really interested in that.”

History will be made at the opening ceremonies as men and women will carry their nations flags together as a way to promote gender equality. Basketball player Sue Bird and baseball player Eddy Alvarez will carry Team USA’s flag.

You can also get the latest Olympics news and results on KTVZ.COM's Tokyo Olympics page. And do not forget to tune in to our Olympic Zone show at 4:30 p.m., six days a week Monday through Saturday, where you can watch Olympic stories from Central Oregonians.

Article Topic Follows: Sports

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Jordan Williams

Jordan Williams is a multimedia journalist for NewsChannel 21. Learn more about Jordan here.

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