Boris Johnson held a rousing video call with four of Team GB's athletes ahead of the start of the Olympics.
The Prime Minister spoke with gymnasts Max Whitlock and Joe Fraser, boxer Lauren Price and rower Karen Bennett from his Chequers residence.
Sources say the conversation was based around each athlete's event and there was also talk of the success of the vaccination programme, and the assistance it has provided to Team GB's travelling party.
Chef de Mission Mark England introduced the Thursday call, with the quartet talking to the Prime Minister from their 12-storey accommodation by the side of Tokyo Bay.
Mr Johnson was said to be in high spirits, and wished all of those about to represent the country well.
The Games start in earnest on Saturday, following Friday's Opening Ceremony.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson looked to rally four Team GB athletes in Tokyo on a video call
Johnson (right) spoke to the four assembled Team GB athletes from his Chequers residence
Part of the conversation surrounded the success of the British vaccination programme
Meanwhile, officials are growing increasingly concerned that Team GB's 'pinged' athletes will have to remain in quarantine for 14 days.
The 'Yokohama Six' have been self-isolating since a passenger on their flight to Tokyo tested positive last week.
The group are permitted to train but have to lead a lonely existence in their hotel rooms, and steeplechaser Zak Seddon spoke out last week to say he was 'struggling' in isolation.
Despite producing more than 12 negative Covid tests, he has been largely confined to his room 'bar a few socially-distanced hours a day' while training.
Gymnastics medal hope Max Whitlock was among the four Team GB athletes on the call
Boxer Lauren Price (left) and rower Karen Bennett (right) were also on the PM's video call
Exasperated British Olympic Association officials have been seeking urgent clarity from Tokyo 2020 bosses over when the group can return to a form of normality. And it is understood they remain frustrated and are facing the growing prospect that those affected – who can compete – will have to remain in isolation for 14 days.
BOA chairman Hugh Robertson acknowledged what is a tricky situation.
