Softballer Leah Parry has flown into an Olympic Games like no other. The second-baser, part of the 30-strong Aussie Spirit delegation that has taken up residence in Ota, 75 kilometres north of Tokyo, says it was an achievement just to land in Japan on Tuesday.

“It’s definitely a sense of relief to be on the plane and here,” says Parry from her room in the cutely named Ota Now Resort Hotel. “It’s been a long time coming. Now we really look forward to the weekend when we can get out, do some training and play some games.”