Russell White: 'It's like going through a ghost town rather than an airport'

Russell White got a flavour of what life will be like for athletes during the coming Olympics when he competed in a World Triathlon Series event in Yokohama last weekend

Triathlete Russell White in action at a Triathlon Ireland high performance training camp in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. White is preparing for a crucial series of international events in May that will decide whether he secures a spot at this year's Olympic Games in Tokyo. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Russell White knew Yokohama would be different. The Banbridge triathlete hadn’t yet competed in a country where the waves generated by Covid numbers were building to a swell but the business of simply getting in to Japan last week was eye-opening in itself.

PCR tests and antigen tests were just the start of it. Adding to the paper trail was a letter of approval from his doctor and an invitation letter from Japan itself. A comprehensive account of his itinerary whilst in the country had to be presented to custom officers and his insurance fully in order.