“With more than four months to go, no drastic decisions are needed at this stage”: the IOC insists they remain “fully committed” to holding the Tokyo Olympics
- The IOC pledged support to athletes whose qualifying opportunities are uncertain
- The IOC is talking to key stakeholders this week about the status of the Games
- The coronavirus crisis has decimated the sports calendar in the coming months
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
The International Olympic Committee remains “fully committed” to hosting the Tokyo Games this summer and has pledged support to athletes whose qualifying opportunities have remained uncertain due to the postponement or cancellation of competitions.
As the coronavirus causes massive disruptions worldwide, the IOC is talking to key stakeholders about the status of the Games this week.
After already speaking to sports federations, the IOC plans to hold further discussions with national Olympic committees, athletes’ representatives, the International Paralympic Committee and others in the coming days.
Due to the coronavirus crisis, there are serious doubts about the Olympic Games in Tokyo
But a statement released Tuesday said: “The IOC remains fully committed to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and with more than four months ahead of the Games, there is no need for drastic decisions at this stage; and any speculation at this time would be counterproductive.
“The IOC encourages all athletes to prepare as well as possible for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said this week that he had the support of the G-7 countries to deliver the Games “as proof that humanity will conquer the new corona virus.”
The IOC said it would continue to monitor the situation “24/7” to protect the health of all participants and to protect the interests of athletes and Olympic sports ahead of the Games, which will open on July 24.
Among the countless sporting events that have already been postponed or canceled due to the outbreak are several Olympic qualifying events, which caused major uncertainty in the Games in recent months.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe still hopes that the Olympics will continue as planned
In its current form, only 57 percent of the Olympic field has been determined, and the IOC said it was willing to work with international federations to adjust their schedules as needed, without ruling out increasing the size of athlete quotas.
“Any increase in sports quotas will be considered in exceptional cases on a case-by-case basis, with the support of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee,” the statement said.
It added that any adjustments to qualification systems would be based on rankings or historical results and “reflect where possible the existing principles of the respective qualification system”.
The statement noted that “in some countries, athletes even find it difficult to continue their regular training regimen.”
“The IOC is reassured by the solidarity and flexibility of the athletes, the (International Federations) and the (National Olympic Committees), who manage these challenges in a number of sports,” the statement added.
Thomas Bach says that the health and well-being of all concerned is the “greatest concern.”
The IFs will propose adjustments to their respective qualification systems based on the principles set out above. The adjustments have to be implemented sport by sport due to the differences between qualification systems. ‘
IOC President Thomas Bach said, “The health and well-being of all those involved in preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is our primary concern.
“All measures are taken to ensure the safety and interests of athletes, coaches and support teams.
“We are an Olympic community; we support each other in good and difficult times. This Olympic solidarity defines us as a community. ‘
.