Shoko Miyata is a major doubt for the Olympics after allegations of smoking; Miyata is set to be sent home, having allegedly broken the Japanese Gymnastics Association's code of conduct; Paris 2024 begins next Friday, with artistic gymnastics to start next Saturday
Thursday 18 July 2024 23:12, UK
Japan’s women’s gymnastics captain Shoko Miyata is set to be sent home and will miss the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Japanese Gymnastics Association (JGA) is investigating Miyata, who was allegedly caught smoking at the team's training base in Monaco, which would break the association's code of conduct according to Japanese outlet Kyodo News.
Miyata is 19 years old and an outside medal hope for Japan across multiple events. Smoking is illegal for anyone under the age of 20 in Japan.
The teenager missed training on Wednesday "for certain reasons".
Miyata is the Japanese individual all-around champion and was hoping to lead her country to a first team medal at the Olympics in 60 years.
Artistic gymnastics will take place at the Bercy Arena in Paris from July 27 to August 5.
