Although the coronavirus has forced superstars from the Nordic combined ski competition, two-time silver medalist Akito Watabe says he feels a miracle jump is needed to claim his first gold medal.
Nordic combined is one of the sports in the Beijing Winter Games most impacted by the pandemic, with four of the top seven overall World Cup athletes expected to miss the individual normal-hill 10-kilometer event on Wednesday.
Among them is the three-time overall World Cup overall champion Jarl Magnus Riiber of Norway, who tested positive at the athletes' village before the games.
Germany's two-time Olympic individual champion Eric Frenzel and teammate Terence Weber also tested positive upon arrival in Beijing. The three can finish quarantine and join the large hill event next Tuesday if they test negative twice.
"I haven't been able to deliver jumps worth a gold medal, which I have always said I'm aiming for," said Watabe, who is competing along with his younger brother Yoshito.
The 33-year-old Akito, who carried the Japanese flag in the parade of nations in the opening ceremony, marked a 99.0 meters jump at his final training on Tuesday, while some in good forms skipped it.
"I don't like the phrase, 'believe in a miracle,' but regarding my situation at this point, I started thinking maybe it's worth hoping for one," he said.
For Watabe, the Beijing Games have a different significance from the last two Olympics, where he earned silver medals, since this time out, he is a proud father.
"I haven't had my day for this season, and I think it's about time I have my turn to enjoy some luck," Watabe said. "I hope that turn comes at the Olympics."
Related coverage:
Akito Watabe light on his skis but remains a Nordic combined heavy-hitter
