Ugandan athlete who fled pre-Olympics camp found in central Japan

20 July 2021, 19:02

Weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko disappeared on Friday
Weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko disappeared on Friday. Picture: Getty

By Daisy Stephens

A Ugandan athlete who fled during pre-Olympics training in western Japan last week has been found and is being interviewed by police, officials have said.

Mie prefectural police in central Japan said 20-year-old weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko was in the Yokkaichi city, 105 miles east of his host town in western Japan.

Police are asking him what happened since he fled his hotel in Izumisano in the Osaka prefecture on Friday, leaving behind his luggage and a note saying he wanted to stay in Japan and work.

Read more: More than one million children missed school last week for Covid-related reasons

Read more: Labour piles on the pressure over rules for people double jabbed outside the UK

Mr Ssekitoleko did not meet Olympic standards in the latest international rankings, released after he arrived Japan, and was to return home this week.

Tokyo Olympics to go ahead without spectators due to Covid surge

The pandemic-delayed Olympics will begin on Friday despite mounting concern about an upsurge of infections in Tokyo, which on Tuesday reported 1,387 cases, up 557 from a week ago.

On their arrival on June 19 at Narita International Airport, a member of the team tested positive and was quarantined, while the remaining eight members were allowed to travel more than 300 miles on a chartered bus to Izumisano.

Read more: Norway's beach handball team fined €1,500 for not wearing bikini bottoms

Read more: UK records hottest day of year so far as mercury hits 32.2C at Heathrow

Days later, a second member of the team tested positive, forcing seven town officials and drivers who had close contact with the team to self-isolate.

Health officials said both infected Ugandans had the Delta variant, which is believed to be more contagious.

The team, which ended its isolation and trained from July 7, headed to Tokyo's Olympic village on Tuesday without Mr Ssekitoleko.

Tom Swarbrick's exchange with reporter on rules for Tokyo Olympics

Six British athletes and two staff members have also been forced to self-isolate as a result of a positive case in the Olympic Village.

The eight members of Team GB were identified as close contacts of an individual who subsequently tested positive for Covid-19, the British Olympic Association (BOA) said on Sunday.

Read more: Record 430 migrants cross Channel in single day as this year's number nears 2020 record

Read more: Vue Entertainment fined £750,000 over cinema seat death

Team GB's Chef de Mission Mark England described it as "disappointing news for the athletes and staff" but added they will "absolutely respect the protocols in place".

"We will offer them every support during this period and we are hopeful that they will be able to resume training again soon," he added.

The individual who tested positive was not a member of Team GB but was a close contact on their flight to Japan on Thursday, the BOA said.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump ahead of G7

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Tel Aviv hospital says 9 injured as Iran vows to 'inflict heavy blows' with retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Laurence Fox faces trial in 2026 accused of encouraging Ulez camera destruction

The Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence

Starmer urges restraint as Israel strikes Iran again in escalating Middle East crisis

CCTV footage shows the man sitting on the chair, which immediately bends back into the wall.

Tourist damages crystal-covered 'Van Gogh' chair in Verona museum after climbing on it for photo

Maurizio Cattelan: “America” a solid gold toilet installed on the fourth floor of the Guggenheim museum in New York City. United States of America.

Two men who stole £4.75 million gold toilet from house where Churchill was born jailed for more than six years

These funds were used to purchase three Tesla cars, a Mini Cooper and a Nissan Qashqai, Teesside crown court heard

Army sergeant jailed after stealing £336,000 of MoD funds to buy Teslas, hair transplant and 'adult services'

Handout photo issued by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales of Alexander Dighton from Llantrisant

Man who attacked officers with Molotov cocktails and a knife jailed for life

.

British tourist missing in Brazil after vanishing from Airbnb

A burnt-out and boarded up property that was damaged on Monday evening in violence in Ballymena, during a protest. Multiple cars and properties were set on fire in Ballymena while rioters hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry at police officers.

Families in emergency accommodation following days of Ballymena unrest

Health officials have warned anyone suffering symptoms to call 111

Warning issued after 14 people have ‘adverse reaction’ to cosmetic jabs including eye drooping and double vision

All seven men denied any wrongdoing. A jury unanimously found them guilty.

Seven men convicted of sexual exploitation of teenage schoolgirls repeatedly raped in Rochdale

Traffic flows on a temporary carriageway during widening of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road at Hirwaun in South Wales.

South Wales £2bn dual-carriageway finally opens after 23 years of roadworks