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      in Athletics

      Shelby Houlihan banned from Tokyo Olympics after positive drug test as US runner claims she at dodgy PORK BURRITO

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      SHELBY HOULIHAN will not race at the Tokyo Olympics after blaming a dodgy pork burrito for her positive drugs test.The US middle-distance runner was banned for four years by the Athletics Integrity Unit following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling after a presence of anabolic steroid nandrolone was discovered in a doping sample.
      American 1500m and 5000m record-holder Shelby Houlihan says she is ‘devastated’ to be banned for a failed drugs test she blames on dodgy porkCredit: Sportsfile
      The 28-year-old denies any wrongdoing and reckons the adverse finding may have come from eating contaminated meal the night before her test.
      Houlihan said: “I feel completely devastated, lost, broken, angry, confused and betrayed by the very sport that I’ve loved and poured myself into.
      “I want to be very clear. I have never taken any performance-enhancing substances.
      “I have since learned that it has long been understood by WADA that eating pork can lead to a false positive for nandrolone – since certain types of pigs produce it naturally in high amounts.
      “Pig organ meat has the highest levels of nandrolone.
      “In the following five days after being notified, I put together a food log of everything that I consumed the week of that December 15 test.
      “We concluded that the most likely explanation was a burrito purchased and consumed approximately 10 hours before that drug test from an authentic Mexican food truck that serves pig offal near my house in Beaverton, Oregon.
      “I notified the AIU that I believed this was the source.”
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      Houlihan insisted: “I did everything I could to prove my innocence.
      “I passed a polygraph test. I had my hair sampled by one of the world’s foremost toxicologists.
      “Wada agreed that test proved that there was no build up of this substance in my body, which there would have been if I were taking it regularly.”

      Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto rules out postponing Olympics More

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      in Athletics

      Team GB stars threatened with deportation, jail and Olympic medals being stripped if they break Tokyo quarantine rules

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      TEAM GB athletes have been threatened with strict SIX-day hotel quarantine spells when they arrive in Tokyo for next month’s Olympics.And all athletes taking part in the Games have been warned they face fines, disqualification, being stripped of medals, or even deportation if they break Covid protocol requirements THROUGHOUT their stay in Japan.
      Team GB athletes face deportation if they break Covid protocol in JapanCredit: Reuters
      The Japanese Government is currently locked in a stand-off with Olympic chiefs over Covid rules.
      But the UK and India are among countries on Japan’s “red list” requiring what is in effect seven nights of one-room incarceration on arrival, with the first evening viewed as “Day Zero”.
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      The latest official “Playbook” for the Games, published today, said: “Border measures may be strengthened upon entry to Japan in relation to the handling of Covid-19 variants of concern.
      “The Government of Japan may implement additional restrictions, for Games participants from designated countries.”
      Asked to confirm that meant six days of quarantine for UK athletes, Tokyo 2020 Operations Chief Hidemasa Nakamura replied: “Yes. Quarantine for six days is required for some countries where the same treatment will be imposed on athletes and media.
      “This is for countries with the variants — we wanted to make sure we have a counter-measure with variants.
      “Now the Japanese government and the IOC are currently in ongoing discussions about what our counter-measures will be during the Games.
      “Our perspective is that we have to make it absolutely a safe Games and these are the things that we are looking at.”
      The Government has said there must be actions where there are malicious violations that impose risks to health or life and for those who break border controlsTokyo 2020 Operations Chief Hidemasa Nakamura
      Team GB chiefs have sought to protect British athletes from the toughest measures by ensuring all squad members have received two vaccinations before travelling and pledging they will be doing everything possible to minimise any risk to the people of Japan.
      Christophe Dubi, executive director of the Games, signalled the IOC’s efforts to prevent the quarantine measures being forced on Team GB.
      He said: “Those countries that are affected by the variants have also made a pledge that was sent to Tokyo 2020 and the IOC, whereby they will take extra measures on their side.
      “They will ensure that a maximum number of their people are vaccinated.
      “If there is a problem, of course we will follow the rule as established by the authorities, but we can do more, and this is what these delegations have pledged to do.”
      Team GB bosses are hoping that the IOC win the battle on their behalf, avoiding the most severe restrictions.

      But in addition, the IOC has given ground on punishment for any athletes who ignore the strict testing and other Covid requirements.
      Any athlete testing positive on arrival will be forced to stay in a “quarantine hotel” outside the Olympic Village and all competitors and officials must take DAILY tests for the first fortnight in the country.
      Failing to wear masks, follow social distancing rules, using non-Olympic transport or eating outside permitted areas could bring major sanctions.
      Potential punishments range from a simple warning for minor infractions, to temporary or permanent withdrawal of accreditation, short-term or permanent exclusion, disqualification, fines, medals being stripped and forced deportation.
      Nakamura added: “The Government has said there must be actions where there are malicious violations that impose risks to health or life and for those who break border controls.
      “We have to give confidence to the Japanese people.”

      Dubai added: “I will not speculate on what will happen and we do not believe anybody will be coming to breach the rules.
      “But if they do, there is a disciplinary commission for all those who contravene the rules.
      “And we will also have random testing to make sure all the daily saliva samples are being properly collected and treated, to prevent people cheating.”
      Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto rules out postponing Olympics More

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      in Soccer

      Real Madrid starlet Takefusa Kubo scores outrageous quadruple nutmeg goal for Japan against Jamaica

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      REAL MADRID star Takefusa Kubo nutmegged FOUR players to score a wonderful goal against Jamaica on Saturday.Kubo, 20, was featuring for the Japan Olympic team, made up of mostly under-23s players.
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      Takefusa Kubo signed for Real Madrid in 2019 but is yet to make an appearance for the club
      The winger opened the scoring in the first half, cutting in from the right flank to fire low into the goal.
      Remarkably, the ball flew through the legs of three defenders and goalkeeper Dillion Barnes, who also plays for QPR.
      The stunning strike sent Japan on their way to comfortable win.
      Wataru Endo, Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan added a further three goals to see off the Reggae Boys in a comfortable 4-0 win.
      But Kubo’s brilliant effort is what the match will be remembered for, and should have impressed the Madrid hierachy.
      Kubo signed for Los Blancos in 2019 but is yet to make a first-team appearance at the Bernabeu.
      He joined Mallorca on loan for the 2019/20 season when he first signed for Madrid, scoring four goals in 35 La Liga games.
      His form led to a bigger move last summer, joining Villereal on a temporary basis before making yet another loan switch to Getafe.

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      Kubo scored just one goal this term in 31 games, although many of his appearances came from the substitute’s bench.
      However, five appearances in the Europa League for Villareal means he won a medal.
      It is now up to new Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti to decide whether to keep Kubo in and around the first team or loan him out for a fourth time.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Footy-mad Brits pack pubs and fan parks to watch Italy take on Turkey to kick off long-awaited Euro 2020 More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal signing Mana Iwabuchi wows fans with stunning volleyed-goal as Japan thrash Ukraine 8-0 ahead of Tokyo Olympics

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      MANA IWABUCHI gave Arsenal fans a glimpse of what to expect next season when she scored a stunning volley in Japan’s 8-0 annihilation of Ukraine.The 28-year-old, who signed for Gunners last month, was in blistering form as the Olympic hosts humiliated their European opponents.
      Iwabuchi scored a stunner as Japan thumped Ukraine 8-0Credit: Getty

      She helped set up Japan’s first goal of the game, before going on to net a brace in the friendly match-up.
      But it was her first strike which drove supporters insane.
      Iwabuchi connected beautifully onto the end of a cross before smashing the ball into the top corner from close range to the delight of her team-mates.
      Her impeccable strike had fans claiming that her new Gunners team-mate Vivianne Miedema would be proud.
      One fan wrote: “Even this girl would of been proud to hit a strike that clean,” along-side a pic of the duo.
      But the ex-Aston Villa dynamo wasn’t done there and found herself on the score-sheet again 13 minutes into the second half.
      In similar fashion to her first attempt, Iwabuchi pounced on to a cross but this time her finish was a scrappy one.
      After leaving her mark on the game, she was subbed with 14 minutes left on the clock.
      She was unplayable in the game as she scored another and also provided an assistCredit: Getty
      Fans claimed even her new Gunners pal Miedema would’ve been proud of the strike

      Iwabuchi’s fellow Gunners team-mates will be hoping she will re-create her stunning national form with them domestically next season.
      But they’ll be praying the former Bayern Munich forward leaves her scoring boots at home during the Olympics.
      Several Gunners stars will feature in the Tokyo games in July including Team GB players Leah Williamson and Kim Little.
      The pair were picked by Hege Riise to represent the nation in Iwabuchi’s home country next month.
      Great Britain are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by clashes Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches.
      Matches are due to commence on July 21 with their first two fixtures due to take place at the Sapporo Dome.
      But as fans won’t be able to join them on their journey, the GB squad will partake in a farewell game against Zambia at the start of July.
      The friendly tie will be played at Stoke City’s Bet365 stadium, and supporters that can’t make it can catch the match live on BBC Four.
      The 29-year-old signed for the Gunners from Villa last monthCredit: PA
      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad More

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      in Soccer

      Team GB keeper Bardsley suffers hamstring injury putting Tokyo Olympics hopes at risk

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      KAREN BARDSLEY’S chances of playing at the Olympics appear to have taken a blow after she hurt her hamstring during a National Women’s Soccer League game. The Man City keeper who is on loan at OL Reign suffered the injury during their 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the United States. 
      Karen Bardsley sustained a hamstring injury during OL Reign’s 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the NWSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And it comes just days after the stopper was named in Hege Riise’s Team GB football squad. 
      Bardsley’s hamstring problem will come as a concern to Riise who chose the London 2012 Olympian and Ellie Roebuck as her preferred two goalkeepers in her 18-strong squad. 
      The veteran stopper will have around seven weeks to be fully fit ahead of Great Britain’s first match at the Tokyo Games against Chile on July 21.
      Bardsley, who has 81 England caps, is one of five players in the squad who represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics. 
      And the US-born stopper, whose family hail from Stockport, helped the team reach the quarter finals of the 2012 Games where they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Canada. 
      Should Bardsley’s injury affect her fitness, Riise has rising Everton star Sandy MacIver as part of her reserve group. 
      The Toffees keeper is travelling to Tokyo as one of four players serving as back-ups to the squad of 18.
      MacIver, who moved to Everton in 2020 from United States college team Clemson Tigers, made her senior England international debut in March this year. 
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      Everton’s Sandy MacIver is travelling as Team GB’s reserve keeper for Bardsley and Ellie RoebuckCredit: Getty

      The Everton stopper came on as a second-half substitute during England’s 6-0 trouncing of Northern Ireland. 
      The WSL ace kept six clean sheets in 18 top tier games for Willie Kirk’s Toffees who finished fifth in the league last term. 
      And the Everton boss has tipped MacIver to become one of the world’s best keepers following her string of stunning saves during Everton’s 3-1 loss to Man City in the 2020 Women’s FA Cup final. 
      Manchester City’s Ellie Roebuck is one of two keepers named in Hege Riise’s Team GB squadCredit: Getty
      Manchester City star Caroline Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray More

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      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather’s last loss revealed 25 years ago to little known Bulgarian at Olympic Games ahead of Logan Paul fight

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      BOXING legend Floyd Mayweather is lauded for his undefeated 50-0 professional record.But that doesn’t mean beating him is impossible – and Logan Paul will be looking at his 1996 Olympics loss as inspiration ahead of their scrap on June 6.
      Floyd Mayweather, then 19, was declared the winner in the Olympics semi-final – only for the judges to controversially overturn the referee’s callCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The 44-year-old will take on YouTuber Logan Paul in an exhibition on June 6Credit: AP
      Before Mayweather turned pro in 1996, he fought at the Atlanta Games in a bid to become a gold medallist.
      The Olympics are often seen as a right of passage for many young boxers, with Anthony Joshua becoming super-heavyweight champ at London 2012.
      Mayweather’s golden featherweight dream started with a win against Kazakhstani Bakhtiyar Tyleganov in the first round before ending Armenian Artur Gevorgyan’s hopes in the second.
      The 19-year-old then edged Cuban Lorenzo Aragon in the quarter-final to set up a semi-final clash with Bulgarian Serafim Todorov.
      But the 27-year-old amateur famously defeated the future great in controversial circumstances.
      Many critics believe Mayweather won the fight and the referee even raised the American’s hand in expectation of the result.
      But the judging panel – led by Emil Jetchev, the Bulgarian chairman of the judges’ commission – decided Todorov was the winner.
      The US team were incensed by the verdict, claiming the judges had counted punches from Todorov that hadn’t landed and taking fair shots away from Mayweather’s score.
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      But Mayweather isn’t bitter about the loss, explaining how it helped him become a great champion to the Club Shay Shay show in September 2020.
      He said: “Am I happy with receiving the bronze medal, but not winning gold? Absolutely.
      “The referee raised my hand because he thought I won, but I’m glad that the fight went the way that it did because it made me work that much harder as a professional not to feel that same pain again.
      “That was one of the best things that happened to me.”
      Mayweather went on to become an undefeated five-weight champ, beating the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez and Ricky Hatton.
      Todorov, meanwhile, lost the Olympic final to Thai Somluck Kamsing and never turned professional.

      Mayweather goes after Serafim Todorov at the OlympicsCredit: Getty
      The silver medallist’s current whereabouts are unknown and Mayweather even hinted he’s homeless in his interview on the Club Shay Shay show.
      The American’s next rival Paul is hoping to follow in Todorov’s footsteps by defeating the 44-year-old when the two face off in their exhibition.
      The YouTuber has promised to KO Mayweather and, at 26, certainly has time on his side.
      Standing at 6ft 2ins, he’s also SIX inches bigger than his illustrious opponent and is likely to be much heavier as a result.
      But it will still take some doing to defeat Mayweather – arguably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of his generation.
      Mayweather has not lost since his Olympic defeatCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Logan Paul reveals four reasons he thinks he will beat Floyd Mayweather More

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      in Soccer

      Manchester City star Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray

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      CAROLINE WEIR recalls being left ‘devastated’ when a late Finland goal ended Scotland’s dreams of reaching the 2022 Women’s Euros.But the Man City winger reckons competing in the Olympics and emulating Andy Murray has helped ease the ‘disappointment’ of that December night. 
      Caroline Weir says Team GB are hoping for a gold medal win at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Getty
      Weir says London 2012 gold medallist Andy Murray has been a ‘great mentor’ to herCredit: EPA
      Weir is one of two Scotland stars included in an 18-strong Team GB squad chosen by Hege Riise with the other being Arsenal skipper Kim Little.
      And the in-form playmaker, with a knack for netting wonder goals, is also targeting World Cup qualification with Scotland for the second time in her nation’s history.
      Weir, 25, said: “The fact that I’m going to the Tokyo Olympics this summer probably makes next summer and the fact I’m not going to the Euros, a little bit easier.
      “The disappointment with Scotland was a tough one to take. And it did take a little bit of time to get over it.
      “But at the same time, we have the qualifying campaign for the 2023 World Cup. 
      “It feels like a long way away, but it’s in a few months and we’ll have a Scotland camp in June and our focus will turn to that. 
      “Yes it (not qualifying for the Euros) was disappointing at the time, but I think you’ve got to move on quickly and I think we’ve all done that now.”
      Weir, who moved City in 2018 after a two-year Liverpool spell, has enjoyed a standout season with the Manchester giants including a 2020 FA Cup win. 
      The Dunfermline-born player netted eight times in 20 top-flight games last term as City took Chelsea to the wire before finishing second in the WSL title race. 
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      Weir wowed WSL fans with her performances for Man City this termCredit: Getty

      Goals include an audacious 18-yard chip in a memorable Manchester derby that went viral on social media.
      Weir, admits to being a fan of the Olympics as a spectator and taking pleasure from watching the Games’ ‘random sports’.
      The forward who began her career at the age of ten at Hibernian, is an admirer of the exploits of past Team GB Olympians.
      These include the dramatic gold-winning performances of Sir Chris Hoy and tennis ace Murray at the London 2012 Games. 
      And the Man City star, who became the first female football player to join Murray’s 77 Sports Management in March 2020, says the three-time grand slam winner has been a reliable source for advice. 
      [embedded content]
      Weir added: “Andy has been a great mentor to me over the last 12 months.
      “Any kind of questions or advice I need from him, whether that’s performance, psychological – whatever it might be – he’s at the end of the phone and he’s been really helpful.
      “And I’m sure I’ll be asking him a little bit about his Olympic experiences going forward, but he’s been great and really positive.”
      Great Britain will take on Canada, Chile and Japan in Group E of the Tokyo Olympics’ women’s football tournament in Japan in July. 
      In addition to Weir and Little, the group includes Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle who made history by becoming the first Wales player in a GB women’s football squad. 
      And Weir who is a ‘proud Scot’ is hoping the Scottish public will get behind the team as they bid to make history by winning gold. 
      Weir and her Scotland team-mates are aiming to qualify for the 2023 World CupCredit: The Sun
      Weir said: “It’s kind of sinking in a little bit now as the day goes on, but to put on a Team GB kit is something I never thought would happen or kind of dreamed of.
      “I’ve wanted to play in World Cups and things like that, but you just don’t necessarily think of playing at the Olympics.
      “I remember watching 2012 and I remember watching Kim and the team do so well in London.
      “To be here alongside Kim (Little) is a huge honour. I think that’s what’s great about Team GB and the fact that there are Scots here and Sophie Ingle is in the squad.
      “You also look around and you see those experienced players like Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Kim, Karen Bardsley and Ellen White who’ve seen it all and went to London 2012.
      Arsenal star Kim Little will represent Team GB for the second time in her career after competing at the London 2012 GamesCredit: Getty
      “But we have such good young players in the squad too that will bring that youth, and excitement.
      “Hopefully that will unite the home nations, and everyone can get behind us because it’s a strong squad.
      “We really want to do a good job and hopefully bring something back.
      “We’ve got to go for gold and of course it’s going to be a tough tournament but the team is talented.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Team GB hope to go beyond the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics football tournament after reaching that stage at London 2012Credit: Alan Walter – The Times
      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad More

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      in Soccer

      Man City skipper Houghton reveals she was ‘desperate’ to be in Team GB after London 2012 experience

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      STEPH HOUGHTON has opened up on her desperation to be part of Team GB women’s football squad after competing in the London 2012 Games. The Manchester City and England skipper says the pride she felt in representing Great Britain is something she is eager to feel again.
      Houghton will represent Team GB for the second time at an Olympics after competing in the London 2012 GamesCredit: Getty
      Houghton is among a group of five WSL veterans who helped Britain reach the quarter-finals of the women’s football tournament at the 2012 Olympics.
      The City star and Olympians Jill Scott, Kim Little, Karen Bardsley and Ellen White hope to win a medal this time around.
      And Houghton, 33, cannot wait to help head coach Hege Riise and Team GB achieve something special at the Tokyo Games in July.
      The City skipper said: “Being part of London 2012 and experiencing what the Olympic Games was like.
      “I was so desperate to get selected for this one, not just for me but the rest of the team we’re so proud to be able to represent Team GB.
      “With the success of the last Olympics, in terms of women’s football and how it was probably a watershed moment in so many different ways.
      “In terms of how many fans came to watch us, the performances that we produced, everybody’s so excited to get to Tokyo to go and do something special.”
      Back in 2012, Houghton and her team began their quest to win an Olympic medal in stunning fashion
      Houghton is one of five 2012 Olympians included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad of 18Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      They won their opening three group games and thumped Cameroon 3-0 in the last 16.
      But their run was cut short when they lost 2-0 in the quarters to Canada.
      But Houghton believes the Champions League experience gained by the current crop of Team GB’s football stars could help them in their bid to win a medal.
      Houghton added: “If I look back to 2012 I think we performed really well in the group stages.
      “And I look back at the game against Canada in the quarter-final back then and I know that it wasn’t the best version of us as a team.
      “I look at the squad and the individuals that we have and the mix of not just English players but Scottish and Welsh players.
      “I think it’s a squad full of quality people, that individually have played in big games, whether that’s a Champions League final or the highest games at the World Cup for their country.”

      Houghton, who has made 81 Man City appearances since her 2014 switch from Arsenal, led England to the semis of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
      And the Olympian, who made four Team GB appearances at the 2012 Games, believes Riise’s squad has the right balance of older and younger players to excel in Tokyo.
      Houghton added: “The talent we have really excites me and I think we’ve got the perfect blend of youth and experience.
      “And for us, our expectation is always to go and win as many games as we possibly can and that doesn’t change whether I’m sitting here wearing a Team GB shirt or an England shirt.”
      Houghton is proud to see the Team GB squad feature rising stars such as Lauren HempCredit: Getty
      Manchester United forward Ella Toone and Chelsea’s Niamh Charles are among the four WSL stars travelling with Team GB as reserves.
      They will be joined by Everton keeper Sandy MacIver and Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy who are serving as back-ups for Riise’s squad of 18.
      And Houghton says she is curious to see how they will react emotionally to being at the Games in Tokyo.
      If I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic GamesSteph Houghton
      The Man City captain said: “I’ve actually been speaking to the likes of Ella Toone and Niamh Charles who are going to be with us for the whole tournament.
      “And I’m so excited to see how they’ll react to being in that environment because of the feelings I had as a young player at London 2012.
      “It’s such a surreal feeling to be part of something that we’ve all probably watched since we’ve been kids but we’ve never expected to be a part of.
      “I’m just so excited for them to experience what we did and for the likes of me, Jill Scott, Ellen White, Karen Bardsley and Kim Little, to go and experience that again we feel so fortunate and proud that we can do it.
      “But I think if I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic Games.
      Houghton is looking forward to seeing the effect the Tokyo Olympics will have on young players including Niamh CharlesCredit: Getty
      “To go and represent Team GB and even though our families and all our fans can’t be there with us I know they’ll be there with us back home.”
      Houghton won plaudits for her Team GB performances at the 2012 Games, becoming her side’s top scorer with three goals in the tournament.
      But the centre-back, who has won three FA Cups and a league title with Man City has not had the best preparation for the tournament due to an Achilles injury.
      However the City skipper, who is “100 per cent fit” is raring to start training.
      Houghton added: “It’s not been ideal preparation, in terms of our players have played a lot of games.
      “And for me to be missing just over a month and a half worth of games is unlike me.
      “But there were lots of conversations behind the scenes in terms of ultimately my aim was to represent Team GB at the Olympics.
      “I just had to listen to the doctors at England and Manchester City and the physios and the coaches.
      Hege Riise’s Great Britain squad features by ten of Houghton’s Man City team-matesCredit: Getty
      “I have also been taking my time a little bit more so that I’m ready to go and yeah I’m 100% fit.
      “I’ve been training over the last few weeks, I feel confident in my body and I just can’t wait to start training with the rest of the girls.”
      Great Britain are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by clashes Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches.
      Matches are due to commence on July 21 with their first two fixtures due to take place at the Sapporo Dome.
      Team GB will play their opening game at the Sapporo Dome Stadium where David Beckham netted England’s winner in a 2002 World Cup game against ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad More