By Sam Byford,Web Master

Copyright japantimes

The extent to which home field advantage plays a factor in sports is often hotly debated, and there are so many variables in play that it’s difficult to be conclusive. For Japanese athletes competing at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this week, however, it’s easy to imagine how the fervent, partisan home support is providing a boost.The atmosphere at National Stadium has been raucous in the opening days of the championships, particularly when hometown heroes are on the track or field, as if pent-up energy from the closed-door Tokyo Olympics is all being released at once. Several Japanese competitors have commented on the response from the crowd and how it has spurred on their performances.“Running in front of this home crowd in Tokyo feels really special,” said Yuki Joseph Nakajima, who delighted the stadium by setting a national record in the first round of the men’s 400 meters on Sunday. “The fans helped me to run this fast.”