Site Products

Tokyo, Covid, and How the Olympics is Taking Shape

(by Steve Hopkins)

In an announcement that was not a surprise, Japan has officially announced they will bar spectators from the Tokyo Olympic events.  The announcement was made yesterday by the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, and it follows the country’s declaration of a State of Emergency due to COVID infection rates.  A few months ago, no one expected any spectators to be allowed – but sporting events in the US and throughout the world have begun to allow fans and the results have generally been positive.  The initial plan was to allow about 50% of venue occupancy for spectators, but with events just two weeks away, that is no longer possible.  The list of those negatively affected will be a long one: fans who had purchased tickets (and flights and hotels), athletes who rely on the energy of the crowd for support, workers who may no longer be necessary to control crowds and serve those attending, local businesses who won’t have crowds of people, and the Japanese taxpayers who spent billions of dollars to build stadiums and venues that will remain largely empty.

On the brighter side, the plans are now pretty much laid out.  Athletes in our sport (and all sports) are all-to-familiar with the separation and waiting and testing associated with competing in their sport during a Pandemic.  Even without fans in the stands, the World will be watching – and the Games will be here in a few days.  In the end, a secure Olympic and Paralympic Games with safe athletes will be a major international accomplishment.  The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is finally here.

Latest News

Jonathan Pino – Falkenburg

September 1, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Jonathan Pino is executing the Falkenburg Drill https://youtu.be/BRcvQsyegPo Stay “In The… Read More

US Open Teams Championships: Drama, Determination, and Destination

September 1, 2025
(By Steve Hopkins) Labor Day weekend in Myrtle Beach saw more than the typical sun, surf, and seafood —it… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: EC Sports Table Tennis

August 31, 2025
(By Steve Hopkins) EC Sports Table Tennis was founded by 1996 Olympian Amy Feng to spread the joy of… Read More

Pan American Youth Championships Recap

August 31, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) The ITTF Pan American Youth Championships 2025 finished on Sunday in Rosario, Argentina. … Read More

Team Canada U19 Girls Secure Gold at Pan Am Youth Championship

August 31, 2025
(by Bowmar Sports, photo ITTF America) Canada’s U19 Girls’ Table Tennis Team made headlines at the 2025 ITTF… Read More

TTBL: Kanak Starts Strong, Zhendong Faulters in First Week of German League

August 31, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) USA’s Kanak Jha was one of four players to start the German League season 2-0. … Read More

Be Part of the MLTT Rally Crew

August 29, 2025
(by: Major League Table Tennis) Bring your energy and love for the game Major League Table Tennis kicks… Read More

When Do Most Errors Happen?

August 29, 2025
Robot plays short backspin to Backhand, Jhon Backhand push to long Backhand, robot plays very spinny topspin to… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.