The dream of running the Olympic torch relay now provokes feelings of guilt in the doctor of Japan

Tsuruga, Pref. Fukui – Manabu Yoneshima’s dream was to crown his medical career by running in the torch relay at the Tokyo Olympics, a festive occasion for which he had been training nights and weekends.

Instead, Yoneshima has postponed his retirement, and his lifelong goal of running the torch has been replaced by feelings of guilt as he and his colleagues battle the virus’ resurgence.

“Is it really correct that I, as someone who runs the hospital fighting the novel coronavirus, run as the torchbearer and get a good memory of it, when everyone else is fighting and enduring the pandemic? asked Yoneshima, who runs Tsuruga Municipal Hospital in Fukui prefecture, 330 kilometers west of Tokyo.

“Medical workers are still going through difficult times and ordinary people are restricting their activities and not dining out,” said the 65-year-old doctor.

With limited staff and equipment, his is the only general hospital in the rural town of Tsuruga, which has a population of 66,000.

So far it has treated dozens of COVID-19 cases, fewer than in other parts of the country, but with a shortage of beds and a flood of elderly patients, its staff are in a constant state of anxiety.

Yoneshima said staffing problems will only get worse once vaccines start later this month, diverting staff from their normal duties.

The Olympic torch relay is scheduled to begin on March 25, despite Tokyo and nine other prefectures remaining in a state of emergency until March 7. The relay, in which about 10,000 runners are expected to participate, will include antivirus. measures such as minor celebrations and social distancing.

Despite his doubts, Yoneshima still plans to apply.

Most days, he spends hours making his rounds at the hospital and presiding over meetings related to COVID-19. In the afternoons, when he has time, he puts on a tracksuit and goes into an empty room to use a treadmill. On weekends he tries to run 7 km.

Yoneshima was elated when he was chosen to run the relay. Now, he feels torn.

You are concerned that your participation may raise questions about why you are not helping colleagues at the hospital.

Most Japanese are opposed to holding the Olympics this summer, polls show, concerned that an influx of foreign athletes could further spread the virus.

Some Yoneshima staff members are also skeptical about the Games, but continue to support it.

“I honestly don’t think we can have the Olympics,” said Emi Tanaka, a nurse at Yoneshima hospital. To reduce the risks of infection, nurses treating COVID-19 patients have had to stay in hotels, separated from their families.

But Tanaka said she wanted Yoneshima to run to encourage the hospital with her positive spirit. “I hope it is a step forward that can unite us,” he said.

Preparations have also been marred by a storm of sexist comments this month from Yoshiro Mori, the chairman of the Tokyo Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, who resigned from his post on Friday.

Hundreds of volunteers withdrew in protest after their comments, while a famous torchbearer also publicly resigned after Mori stated that organizers were determined to hold the Olympics “regardless of what the coronavirus (situation) looks like.” .

Officials concerned about the consequences sent emails to torch runners last week, apologizing for Mori’s comments and reiterating that the relay will continue as planned, according to an official email seen by Reuters.

While the controversy may drag on, Yoneshima still plans to participate. “If we have the Olympics, I want to run,” he said.

“People can think differently. But I think my torch relay can give medical workers hope and allow us to run towards a hopeful future. “