Japanese mayor receives wave of criticism on social media for biting athletes’ gold medal

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Image source: TWITTER / @ BIRD_EXPLORERS

Japanese mayor receives wave of criticism on social media for biting athlete’s gold medal

A member of Japan’s gold medal-winning softball team will have her medal replaced after a Japanese mayor overwrites the original. Tokyo 2020 organizers have said Japanese softball pitcher Miu Goto will have her medal changed after Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura bites her, following an outcry on social media. The Olympic gold medalist paid a courtesy visit to the mayor after beating the United States in the final.

The mayor apologized on Thursday for biting the coin. Takashi Kawamura congratulated pitcher Miu Goto on the victory. He then put the medal around his neck. Later, in excitement, Kawamura lowered his face mask and bit him. The mayor said the medal was undamaged, although he offered to pay the cost of a new one.

“With the support of the International Olympic Committee and in accordance with its own intention, Ms. Goto’s medal must now be exchanged for a new one,” Tokyo 2020 organizers said, adding that the IOC would bear the cost of the exchange.

Following this, the mayor received a wave of criticism on social media. Here is how internet users reacted:

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