Given Japan's slow vaccine roll out and the rise of the Delta variant, many questioned whether it would be safe to hold the Games at all. But having already postponed the Games a year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) seemed determined to allow them to be held in some form.

Now that the Olympics are just days away, we know what that form will be: A closed-door competition in the midst of Tokyo's fourth Covid-19 state of emergency.

Notably, first lady Jill Biden will be an exception to the no spectators rule, as her office announced Tuesday that she would be traveling to Tokyo for the Games.

Allowing visitors to congregate in a country -- like Japan --- that has fallen behind on vaccinations and for which a large-scale outbreak would be disastrous and would be reckless.

For now, our connected-ness and unity will remain in spirit as we watch our favorite athletes compete on screen.

__________

how do you guys feel about the crowds being banned??