USA Swimming asks USOPC to help advocate that the Tokyo Olympics be postponed a year

Friday, March 20, 2020

Attn: Sarah Hirshland, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Chief Executive Officer

United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee

One Olympic Plaza

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Dear Sarah,

As a leader to our 400,000 members and many of the world’s top Olympic champions, I feel compelled

to speak out about the pending Olympic Games in Tokyo in July 2020.

Our top priority at USA Swimming has been, and will continue to be, the health and safety of our

athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers and other members.

As this global pandemic has grown, we have watched our athletes’ worlds be turned upside down and

watched them struggle to find ways to continue to prepare and train – many for the biggest competitive

opportunity of their lives.

Our world class swimmers are always willing to race anyone, anytime and anywhere; however, pressing

forward amidst the global health crisis this summer is not the answer.

The right and responsible thing to do is to prioritize everyone’s health and safety and appropriately

recognize the toll this global pandemic is taking on athletic preparations. It has transcended borders and

wreaked havoc on entire populations, including those of our respected competitors. Everyone has

experienced unimaginable disruptions, mere months before the Olympic Games, which calls into

question the authenticity of a level playing field for all.

Our athletes are under tremendous pressure, stress and anxiety, and their mental health and wellness

should be among the highest priorities.

It is with the burden of these serious concerns that we respectfully request that the U.S. Olympic &

Paralympic Committee advocate for the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by one year.

There are no perfect answers, and this will not be easy; however, it is a solution that provides a concrete

path forward and allows all athletes to prepare for a safe and successful Olympic Games in 2021.

We urge the USOPC, as a leader within the Olympic Movement, to use its voice and speak up for the

athletes.

Respectfully,

Tim Hinchey III

USA Swimming Chief Executive Officer

b

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only