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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside the strangest football stadiums in Europe including one beside Hitler's bunker and another with a STEAM TRAIN
FANCY WATCHING a game of football on the side of an active volcano? Or maybe you would prefer the 90-minute experience of sitting high up a mountain pass, perched on a slender goat trail? 25 Amazing football stadium in Henningsvaer in Norway Credit: Getty - Contributor 25 Mountains rise about the Reine Stadion in Norway Credit: Leon Gladwell The thing about new grounds these days is that while they cost billions of pounds to build, more often than not they all look the same and lack uniqueness or character. There is something thrilling and wonderful about watching a match played in bizarre or strange surroundings – locations far removed from the pristine, copycat comfort of the Premier League. Author Leon Gladwell went on a two-year voyage to discover and photograph 100 of Europe's wackiest and strangest venues, travelling more than 130,000 miles across 71 trips. He has collected them all into a glossy new book European Football's Greatest Grounds. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL And SunSport has put together 10 of the most remarkable, bucket-list places on the continent where you can go and watch the Beautiful Game . Campo di Calcio Zuel (Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy) The Trampolino Olimpico, a ski jumping hill in the Dolomites, was opened in 1923 and was used as a venue during the 1956 Winter Olympics. The faded Olympic Rings are still visible from the bottom of the 49-metre high launch ramp. Yet there is no chance of Eddie 'The Eagle' flying over the goalposts because the jump has been closed for 35 years. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK During the summer months, when the snow has melted, the area below is used for junior football , thanks to the installation of a football pitch by Serie A giants It also has a key place in movie history – it was the scene of a famous ski jump by James Bond in the 1981 film For Your Eyes Only. 25 The ski jump at Cortina d'Ampezzo at the 1956 Winter Olympics Credit: Hulton Archive - Getty 25 The ski jump now has a summer football pitch at the landing area Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 AC Milan were behind installing the pitch in the beautiful Dolomite mountains Credit: Leon Gladwell Campo Gerini (Rome, Italy) Italian stadiums might look old and rundown but that is part of their charm and romanticism. Anyone who grew up watching the Italia '90 World Cup on TV will instantly recognise some of the famous yet tired arenas that hosted the world's best footballers 35 years ago. One of the nation's quirkiest grounds can be located in its capital Rome, eleven kilometres south-east of the Colosseum, in the second-largest urban park in Europe . Campo Gerini hosts various football factions seven days a week, from junior sides right through to senior matches in Italy's ninth tier. Some of the pitches are located next to a decaying aqueduct built in 50 BC during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Yet the future of the area is in doubt after 40 hectares of land (the equivalent of 60 football pitches) were sold to private individuals, including a supermarket entrepreneur, in 2023. 25 Footballers play in the shadow of an ancient aqueduct Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The historic ruins were built in 50BC Credit: Leon Gladwell Eriskay (Scotland) Eriskay is a remote island in the Outer Hebrides and is barely four kilometres in length. With a population of just 143, it is one of the smallest regions to support a football club. And Barnet's old uphill slope is nothing compared to this imperfect playing surface. The bumpy, bobbly Cnoc Na Monadh pitch, with his wobbly touchlines, has a 'wee hill in the corner' and as such, one of the corner flags is as high as the crossbar. Occasionally, stray sheep might make a beeline for the centre circle and after every winter , groundstaff have to painstakingly remove all the local wildlife's POO. Fifa's World Football Museum gave Eriskay worldwide recognition in 2015, branding it as one of the eight most remarkable places in the world to play football. Post-match drinks can be enjoyed in the island's only pub, Am Politician, which is named after the celebrated shipwreck. 25 The bumpy, bobbly Cnoc Na Monadh pitch Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The remote island is a remarkable spot for a football ground Credit: Leon Gladwell Feldstrasse (Hamburg, Germany) Hamburg's historic SC Hansa 11 club has a unique claim to fame – it is next door to a gargantuan Nazi-built Second World War BUNKER. Two artificial pitches in this inner-city sports ground are flanked by the astonishing Flakturm IV. This air raid shelter was built in the 1940s under orders from An anti-aircraft gun has long gone from the imposing concrete blockhouse tower and it has since been converted into a public rooftop terrace, which doubles up as a live music venue. On the other side of the ground is the Millerntor-Stadion, which is home to Bundesliga side, FC St. Pauli, a must-see destination for all football hipsters. 25 The stadium is overshadowed by a Nazi-built anti-aircraft fortress Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The bunker is now a a public rooftop terrace Credit: Alamy Grigoris Lambrakis Municipal Stadium (Athens, Greece) The best stadiums are not really the ones located off a motorway, far out of town, next to a shopping centre, with ample parking spots. The most interesting ones exist within a deprived community, perhaps next to a housing estate, in a hustling, bustling city, which has been dwarfed by the skyward creep of urbanisation. Athens Kallithea FC's ground, known locally as El Paso, is one such neighbourhood spot and some lucky fans can watch action in Greece's top division from their apartment block windows. Otherwise punters can perch on limestone cliffs that roll around half the pitch, standing behind coils of barbed wire and iron railings. In the mid-1960s, Sergio Leone's spaghetti-western classic For a Few Dollars More, starring Clint Eastwood, was released in Greece under the name Duel in El Paso. Kallithea used that nickname and to this day, they run on to the pitch to the dustbowl strains of Ennio Morricone's haunting score. 25 Athens Kallithea FC's ground is overlooked by appartments and cliffs Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 It was built in 1970 on the site of a former quarry Credit: Leon Gladwell Gryluvollur (Hveragerdi, Iceland) There is no danger of flooding or soggy pitches for That is because underneath their hillside ground are boiling underground rivers hot enough to cook an EGG . Situated on the slopes of the Grændalur volcano, fumarole vents near the touchline and in neighbouring backyards belch plumes of sulphuric steam into the air. A Gryla geyser lies dormant just 70 metres from the pitch and until the late 1990s, it would often shoot boiling jets of water up to 12 metres high during matches. At least for those who live in this alien landscape in the little village of Hverageroi (which translates as 'hot spring garden'), players can use the gases to steam-dry their match-day kits. 25 A geyser erupts spectacularly in Iceland Credit: Getty 25 The scenic pitch is situated on an active volcano Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 Hot steam rises above the pitch of FC Hamar Credit: Leon Gladwell Janosovka (Cierny Balog, Slovakia) Ideally, a football ground needs to have good, reliable transport links – but there is one in Slovakia which takes that concept to its extreme. One slumberous village in Cierny Balog actually has a STEAM TRAIN that passes directly by, just metres from the pitch and only a few feet from one of the grandstands. A busy logging railway used to haul timber up and down the valley for more than 80 miles of narrow gauge track for almost 75 years. These days, it is a heritage railway for tourists but the line goes straight through the ground of this semi-professional club. There are no confirmed accidents involving trains at the ground but the chairman often jokes that a few of his wingers should hop on and off to get them up the line a bit quicker. Yet anyone planning a Rory Delap-style long run-up for their throw-ins might think again… 25 Janosovka's ground has a vintage train line running alongside Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The train line runs between the pitch and the main stand Credit: Leon Gladwell Kvarlis Tsentraluri Stadioni (Kvareli, Georgia) Kvareli Duruji FC in Georgia's fifth division play football inside the walls of a medieval CASTLE . The rural 17th-century fortress, which has an iron-studded entrance gate, has wooden grandstands and can house up to 2,500 fans. Legend has it that a player once went down headfirst into a sinkhole that emerged during one match in 1978. That has since been filled in and bricked over but underneath the pitch are tunnels and rooms that were built to store earthenware vessels used for the fermentation and ageing of local wine . When Gladwell went there, a special friendly match was arranged in his honour and his son Noah was allowed to play – even though he ended up missing a key penalty. 25 The pitch is inside an 17th Century castle in Georgia Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 Legend has it a player once fell down a pot hole into a tunnel Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The castle is in the centre of the city of Kvareli Credit: Leon Gladwell Valloyran (Sandavagur, Faroe Islands) Those who live in the Faroe Islands can get to church on time on a Sunday – and then, after their prayers, have a little kickabout next door. One of the country's 26 grounds – in the seaside fishing village of Sandavagur – is overlooked by a beautiful red-roofed wooden church and cemetery. There are so few seats that it is essentially standing room only around this tiny football field – but you could choose to watch from your car given how close you can park behind one of the goals. The artificial pitch ensures few games are called off but spectators have to wrap up warm in the face of the fierce Faroese weather . 25 The picturesque ground is overlooked by a red-roofed church Credit: Leon Gladwell Yenisehir Stadyumu (Gumushane, Turkey) The city of Gumushane, which is 3,970ft above sea level, lies on the ancient Silk Road, the historic trade route from China to Turkey . To reach their football club, you have to endure a hair-raising zig-zagging journey along the Zigana Pass in the Pontic Mountains. Fans can either watch from the grandstands or, to avoid buying a ticket, find a spot up on the uphill goat paths. Pity the poor groundsman who has to work with a pitch that sees little sunlight due to the towering walls of red rock that encircle the ground. It is one of the most remote places to visit in Europe , several hours outside of Black Sea resort Trabzon, but also one of the most special. 25 The Yenisehir Stadyumu is 3,970ft above sea level Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 It is cut into the mountains alongside the ancient Silk Road, the historic trade route from China to Turkey Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 Leon Gladwell's new book For Instagram follow
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside the strangest football stadiums in Europe including one beside Hitler's bunker and another with a STEAM TRAIN
FANCY WATCHING a game of football on the side of an active volcano? Or maybe you would prefer the 90-minute experience of sitting high up a mountain pass, perched on a slender goat trail? 25 Amazing football stadium in Henningsvaer in Norway Credit: Getty - Contributor 25 Mountains rise about the Reine Stadion in Norway Credit: Leon Gladwell The thing about new grounds these days is that while they cost billions of pounds to build, more often than not they all look the same and lack uniqueness or character. There is something thrilling and wonderful about watching a match played in bizarre or strange surroundings – locations far removed from the pristine, copycat comfort of the Premier League. Author Leon Gladwell went on a two-year voyage to discover and photograph 100 of Europe's wackiest and strangest venues, travelling more than 130,000 miles across 71 trips. He has collected them all into a glossy new book European Football's Greatest Grounds. And SunSport has put together 10 of the most remarkable, bucket-list places on the continent where you can go and watch the Beautiful Game. Campo di Calcio Zuel (Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy) The Trampolino Olimpico, a ski jumping hill in the Dolomites, was opened in 1923 and was used as a venue during the 1956 Winter Olympics. The faded Olympic Rings are still visible from the bottom of the 49-metre high launch ramp. Yet there is no chance of Eddie 'The Eagle' flying over the goalposts because the jump has been closed for 35 years. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK During the summer months, when the snow has melted, the area below is used for junior football, thanks to the installation of a football pitch by Serie A giants AC Milan. It also has a key place in movie history – it was the scene of a famous ski jump by James Bond in the 1981 film For Your Eyes Only. 25 The ski jump at Cortina d'Ampezzo at the 1956 Winter Olympics Credit: Hulton Archive - Getty 25 The ski jump now has a summer football pitch at the landing area Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 AC Milan were behind installing the pitch in the beautiful Dolomite mountains Credit: Leon Gladwell Campo Gerini (Rome, Italy) Italian stadiums might look old and rundown but that is part of their charm and romanticism. Anyone who grew up watching the Italia '90 World Cup on TV will instantly recognise some of the famous yet tired arenas that hosted the world's best footballers 35 years ago. One of the nation's quirkiest grounds can be located in its capital Rome, eleven kilometres south-east of the Colosseum, in the second-largest urban park in Europe. Campo Gerini hosts various football factions seven days a week, from junior sides right through to senior matches in Italy's ninth tier. Some of the pitches are located next to a decaying aqueduct built in 50 BC during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Yet the future of the area is in doubt after 40 hectares of land (the equivalent of 60 football pitches) were sold to private individuals, including a supermarket entrepreneur, in 2023. 25 Footballers play in the shadow of an ancient aqueduct Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The historic ruins were built in 50BC Credit: Leon Gladwell Eriskay (Scotland) Eriskay is a remote island in the Outer Hebrides and is barely four kilometres in length. With a population of just 143, it is one of the smallest regions to support a football club. And Barnet's old uphill slope is nothing compared to this imperfect playing surface. The bumpy, bobbly Cnoc Na Monadh pitch, with his wobbly touchlines, has a 'wee hill in the corner' and as such, one of the corner flags is as high as the crossbar. Occasionally, stray sheep might make a beeline for the centre circle and after every winter, groundstaff have to painstakingly remove all the local wildlife's POO. Fifa's World Football Museum gave Eriskay worldwide recognition in 2015, branding it as one of the eight most remarkable places in the world to play football. Post-match drinks can be enjoyed in the island's only pub, Am Politician, which is named after the celebrated shipwreck. 25 The bumpy, bobbly Cnoc Na Monadh pitch Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The remote island is a remarkable spot for a football ground Credit: Leon Gladwell Feldstrasse (Hamburg, Germany) Hamburg's historic SC Hansa 11 club has a unique claim to fame – it is next door to a gargantuan Nazi-built Second World War BUNKER. Two artificial pitches in this inner-city sports ground are flanked by the astonishing Flakturm IV. This air raid shelter was built in the 1940s under orders from Adolf Hitler to protect the country from Allied air attack. An anti-aircraft gun has long gone from the imposing concrete blockhouse tower and it has since been converted into a public rooftop terrace, which doubles up as a live music venue. On the other side of the ground is the Millerntor-Stadion, which is home to Bundesliga side, FC St. Pauli, a must-see destination for all football hipsters. 25 The stadium is overshadowed by a Nazi-built anti-aircraft fortress Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The bunker is now a a public rooftop terrace Credit: Alamy Grigoris Lambrakis Municipal Stadium (Athens, Greece) The best stadiums are not really the ones located off a motorway, far out of town, next to a shopping centre, with ample parking spots. The most interesting ones exist within a deprived community, perhaps next to a housing estate, in a hustling, bustling city, which has been dwarfed by the skyward creep of urbanisation. Athens Kallithea FC's ground, known locally as El Paso, is one such neighbourhood spot and some lucky fans can watch action in Greece's top division from their apartment block windows. Otherwise punters can perch on limestone cliffs that roll around half the pitch, standing behind coils of barbed wire and iron railings. In the mid-1960s, Sergio Leone's spaghetti-western classic For a Few Dollars More, starring Clint Eastwood, was released in Greece under the name Duel in El Paso. Kallithea used that nickname and to this day, they run on to the pitch to the dustbowl strains of Ennio Morricone's haunting score. 25 Athens Kallithea FC's ground is overlooked by appartments and cliffs Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 It was built in 1970 on the site of a former quarry Credit: Leon Gladwell Gryluvollur (Hveragerdi, Iceland) There is no danger of flooding or soggy pitches for Iceland lower-league side FC Hamar. That is because underneath their hillside ground are boiling underground rivers hot enough to cook an EGG. Situated on the slopes of the Grændalur volcano, fumarole vents near the touchline and in neighbouring backyards belch plumes of sulphuric steam into the air. A Gryla geyser lies dormant just 70 metres from the pitch and until the late 1990s, it would often shoot boiling jets of water up to 12 metres high during matches. At least for those who live in this alien landscape in the little village of Hverageroi (which translates as 'hot spring garden'), players can use the gases to steam-dry their match-day kits. 25 A geyser erupts spectacularly in Iceland Credit: Getty 25 The scenic pitch is situated on an active volcano Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 Hot steam rises above the pitch of FC Hamar Credit: Leon Gladwell Janosovka (Cierny Balog, Slovakia) Ideally, a football ground needs to have good, reliable transport links – but there is one in Slovakia which takes that concept to its extreme. One slumberous village in Cierny Balog actually has a STEAM TRAIN that passes directly by, just metres from the pitch and only a few feet from one of the grandstands. A busy logging railway used to haul timber up and down the valley for more than 80 miles of narrow gauge track for almost 75 years. These days, it is a heritage railway for tourists but the line goes straight through the ground of this semi-professional club. There are no confirmed accidents involving trains at the ground but the chairman often jokes that a few of his wingers should hop on and off to get them up the line a bit quicker. Yet anyone planning a Rory Delap-style long run-up for their throw-ins might think again… 25 Janosovka's ground has a vintage train line running alongside Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The train line runs between the pitch and the main stand Credit: Leon Gladwell Kvarlis Tsentraluri Stadioni (Kvareli, Georgia) Kvareli Duruji FC in Georgia's fifth division play football inside the walls of a medieval CASTLE. The rural 17th-century fortress, which has an iron-studded entrance gate, has wooden grandstands and can house up to 2,500 fans. Legend has it that a player once went down headfirst into a sinkhole that emerged during one match in 1978. That has since been filled in and bricked over but underneath the pitch are tunnels and rooms that were built to store earthenware vessels used for the fermentation and ageing of local wine. When Gladwell went there, a special friendly match was arranged in his honour and his son Noah was allowed to play – even though he ended up missing a key penalty. 25 The pitch is inside an 17th Century castle in Georgia Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 Legend has it a player once fell down a pot hole into a tunnel Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 The castle is in the centre of the city of Kvareli Credit: Leon Gladwell Valloyran (Sandavagur, Faroe Islands) Those who live in the Faroe Islands can get to church on time on a Sunday – and then, after their prayers, have a little kickabout next door. One of the country's 26 grounds – in the seaside fishing village of Sandavagur – is overlooked by a beautiful red-roofed wooden church and cemetery. There are so few seats that it is essentially standing room only around this tiny football field – but you could choose to watch from your car given how close you can park behind one of the goals. The artificial pitch ensures few games are called off but spectators have to wrap up warm in the face of the fierce Faroese weather. 25 The picturesque ground is overlooked by a red-roofed church Credit: Leon Gladwell Yenisehir Stadyumu (Gumushane, Turkey) The city of Gumushane, which is 3,970ft above sea level, lies on the ancient Silk Road, the historic trade route from China to Turkey. To reach their football club, you have to endure a hair-raising zig-zagging journey along the Zigana Pass in the Pontic Mountains. Fans can either watch from the grandstands or, to avoid buying a ticket, find a spot up on the uphill goat paths. Pity the poor groundsman who has to work with a pitch that sees little sunlight due to the towering walls of red rock that encircle the ground. It is one of the most remote places to visit in Europe, several hours outside of Black Sea resort Trabzon, but also one of the most special. 25 The Yenisehir Stadyumu is 3,970ft above sea level Credit: Leon Gladwell 25 It is cut into the mountains alongside the ancient Silk Road, the historic trade route from China to Turkey Credit: Leon Gladwell
Japan Today
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
Veteran politician Seiko Hashimoto elected first female president of the Japanese Olympic Committee
Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, speaks during a media tour at the Olympic and Paralympic Village for the Tokyo 2020 Games, constructed in the Harumi waterfront district of Tokyo on June 20, 2021. olympics By STEPHEN WADE Seiko Hashimoto has been elected president of the Japanese Olympic Committee, becoming the first woman to head the body. She is a former Olympian and was elected late Thursday to replace Yasuhiro Yamashita, who served three terms. Hashimoto competed in cycling in three Summer Olympics (1988, 1992 and 1996), and in speedskating in four Winter Olympics (1984, 1988, 1992 and 1994). She won a bronze medal at the 1992 Albertville Games in speedskating. Hashimoto has served as a government minister for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and is currently a member of the upper house of the Japanese parliament. She also was appointed president of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee early in 2021. She replaced Yoshiro Mori, a former Japanese prime minister who was forced to resign as president of the committee after making sexist comments about women. Japanese media reported that she had met recently with outgoing International Olympic President Thomas Bach and had been encouraged to have Japan bid for another Olympics. 'I believe the JOC's mission is to bid again to host the Olympics and Paralympics,' she was quoted as saying by Japanese news agency Kyodo. The Tokyo Olympics were held in 2021 after being delayed a year by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the delay, the Tokyo Games were plagued by rising costs and eventually by a bid-rigging scandal that forced Japan to drop a potential bid by the northern city of Sapporo for the 2030 Winter Olympics. Hashimoto is sure to face close scrutiny. The Asahi Shimbun newspaper, on its English-language website, reported she addressed the question of a political funding scandal linked to the ruling LDP party. 'I would not have run if there had been any suspicion over my actions,' the newspaper reported her saying. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
John Tavares locks into an $18-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs
John Tavares locks into an $18-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs (Image Via Twitter) The deepest thoughts of John Tavares for his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs were put down as the signing of a four-year contract extension that betrayed his heart for the franchise. Emerging from free agency, Tavares made the choice to stay with his alma mater, for whom he had led for many years. The attempt of the Leafs to create a nucleus of veteran leadership and consequently stay at the top of the Eastern Conference comes at a very critical moment for the player and team. Tavares's decision to make such a decision spoke of something that transcended money with Toronto. Toronto Maple Leafs hold on to John Tavares with a leadership contract renovation — OurLeafsNation (@OurLeafsNation) Making a wise decision in the trade market, the Maple Leafs decided to lock up veteran John Tavares with a new four-year deal that now has him with the franchise through 2028–29. The $18 million extension reduces his annual cap hit to $4.38 million because of a deferred component to his salary, which will not be allowed anymore once the new league rules take effect from the 2026–27 season onward. For the first two years, Tavares enjoys full no-movement rights before it reverts to a five-team limited trade clause. Even in his mid-30s, Tavares is still performing at an elite level. He managed to set 74 points last season, with 38 goals in 75 regular-season games. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo He also managed to score five goals through 13 playoff games before Florida dashed Toronto's hopes in the second round. He could have taken a shorter, perhaps more lucrative contract elsewhere, but Tavares remained loyal to Toronto. He would rather look at stability and continuing than starting fresh elsewhere. Ever since his debut in the NHL in 2009, with the New York Islanders selecting him first overall, Tavares has evolved into one of the most reliable offensive players in the league. His career stats depict his longevity and consistency: 1,114 points in 1,184 games. The memorable first season in Toronto saw him score 47 goals, while his best 2014-15 season with the Islanders cemented his status as an elite scorer. Tavares' resume also features international glory. A native of Mississauga, Ontario, he has represented Canada in numerous major tournaments. Most prominently, he won gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics and was an integral part of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey-winning team. With these triumphs behind him, the added leadership presence from the Maple Leafs' locker room will undoubtedly be a great value as they continue to chase the championship. Also Read: John Tavares' uncertain future with Maple Leafs as free agency looms and changes mount John Tavares' decision to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs further underlines his position as a cornerstone of the franchise. As the team continues to strive for playoff success, Tavares' leadership and scoring depth remain critical. Through this contract, both the player and the team express their shared desire to bring a championship to Toronto. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Fox Sports
a day ago
- Politics
- Fox Sports
Veteran politician Seiko Hashimoto elected first female president of the Japanese Olympic Committee
Associated Press TOKYO (AP) — Seiko Hashimoto has been elected president of the Japanese Olympic Committee, becoming the first woman to head the body. She is a former Olympian and was elected late Thursday to replace Yasuhiro Yamashita, who served three terms. Hashimoto competed in cycling in three Summer Olympics (1988, 1992 and 1996), and in speedskating in four Winter Olympics (1984, 1988, 1992 and 1994). She won a bronze medal at the 1992 Albertville Games in speedskating. Hashimoto has served as a government minister for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and is currently a member of the upper house of the Japanese parliament. She also was appointed president of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee early in 2021. She replaced Yoshiro Mori, a former Japanese prime minister who was forced to resign as president of the committee after making sexist comments about women. Japanese media reported that she had met recently with outgoing International Olympic President Thomas Bach and had been encouraged to have Japan bid for another Olympics. 'I believe the JOC's mission is to bid again to host the Olympics and Paralympics,' she was quoted as saying by Japanese news agency Kyodo. The Tokyo Olympics were held in 2021 after being delayed a year by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the delay, the Tokyo Games were plagued by rising costs and eventually by a bid-rigging scandal that forced Japan to drop a potential bid by the northern city of Sapporo for the 2030 Winter Olympics. Hashimoto is sure to face close scrutiny. The Asahi Shimbun newspaper, on its English-language website, reported she addressed the question of a political funding scandal linked to the ruling LDP party. 'I would not have run if there had been any suspicion over my actions,' the newspaper reported her saying. ___ AP Olympics: in this topic
