(ATR) The IOC says it will take the next steps to evaluate a possible postponement of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
A statement from the IOC following a suddenly called teleconference of the Executive Board on Sunday categorically ruled out cancellation. But the IOC says as the corona pandemic intensifies in places like Europe and the United States, it recognizes the need to discuss alternative scenarios regarding the start date for the Games, now set for July 24.
"The IOC will, in full coordination and partnership with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Japanese authorities and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, start detailed discussions to complete its assessment of the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games, including the scenario of postponement," says the statement.
The IOC says it expects the discussions to be complete within the next four weeks. The challenges are significant notes the IOC statement.
"A number of critical venues needed for the Games could potentially not be available anymore. The situations with millions of nights already booked in hotels is extremely difficult to handle, and the international sports calendar for at least 33 Olympic sports would have to be adapted. These are just a few of many, many more challenges," says the IOC.
The statement says developing scenarios for postponement would need the full commitment and cooperation of Tokyo 2020, the municipal and national government, the 33 International federations and 206 NOCs. The IOC also says the support will be needed from Olympic rights holding broadcasters, the worldwide Olympic sponsors and suppliers and contractors for Tokyo 2020 .
Since the outbreak of the corona crisis, IOC PresidentThomas Bach has maintained that there were no plans to change the dates for Tokyo. He has said that it’s too early to take any drastic action, leaving the IOC as the last major sport property in the world still clinging to its calendar.
Now the outcry is building from the athlete community as well as NOCs for the IOC to consider postponement. The NOCs of Brazil and Norway could be followed by Great Britain, which meets Tuesday to consider the wishes of its athletes.
In the U.S., the national governing bodies for swimming and track and field say postponement must be considered. Advocacy group Global Athlete is backing postponement and twitter and Instagram postings of athletes seem to be leaning toward postponing the games.
In a letter to athletes following the EB meeting, Bach acknowledged the uncertainty the pandemic is creating for their preparation.
"This uncertainty rocks our nerves and raises or strengthens doubts about a positive future; it destroys hope. Some even have to fear for their very existence. This uncertainty stems from the fact that, at this moment, nobody can really make fully reliable statements about the duration of this fight against the virus," Bach said.
He made it clear that cancellation was not an option. But he said an immediate decision to postpone Tokyo 2020 would be premature.
"A decision about a postponement today could not determine a new date for the Olympic Games because of the uncertain developments in both directions: an improvement, as we are seeing in a number of countries thanks to the severe measures being taken, or a deteriorating situation in other countries," Bach said.
In a statement, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons expressed support for the IOC move. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics take place two weeks after the Olympic Games.
Reported by Ed Hula.
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