Tokyo, Japan – According to a report, the oldest person alive is set to carry the torch at the 2021 Summer Olympic games. The Guinness World Records claims that Kane Tanaka at 117 became the world’s oldest person in 2019.
Born on January 2, 1903, Tanaka surpasses “Grandma Iaiá” who, at 106, was the oldest torchbearer from the 2016 games. At 118 years old, the new torchbearer will participate in the Olympic Torch relay scheduled to start on March 25, 2021.
From the J-Village National Training Center in Fukushima, bearers will travel across all 47 prefectures through Japan. The relay will last for 121 days. Because of COVID-19, the 2020 games will not happen until the Summer of 2021.
In light of the global pandemic, many Olympic officials claim that “the flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel.” The Olympics are a time where the world comes together to celebrate its best athletes.
At this time there are no plans to replace Tanaka if she suddenly passes. If she can make the relay, an assistant will usher her out in a wheelchair. The torch will arrive in Tokyo at the Olympic stadium by July 9, 2021. The torch will light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony on July 23, 2021.
Tanaka surpasses “Grandma Iaiá”. Will Tanaka’s health allow her to bear the torch at the 2021 Olympics?
Thumbnail Credit: AP (images are subject to copyright)
Sources:
- “Japan’s Kane Tanaka Is Awarded Guinness World Records Title For Oldest Living Person 116 Years 66 days”
- “Tokyo announces Olympic torch relay plans for 2021”
- “Olympic Games postponed to 2021″
James is published in the oldest African American Newspaper in the United States, The Philadelphia Tribune. In his spare time he writes about sports and plays the piano.
