Seiko Hashimoto says she is taking on ‘grave responsibility’ as she succeeds Yoshiro Mori after sexism row

Seiko Hashimoto, the new head of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, has said she understands there is “great public concern” over hosting the delayed Olympics during the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking after her appointment five months before the Tokyo Games are due to open, the former Olympic track cyclist and speed skater said addressing the coronavirus threat was the most important task she faced, and she vowed to hold a “safe and secure” Games.

Related: Tokyo Olympics chief resigns over sexist comments