The Global Athlete group is calling upon the IOC to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics until the coronavirus pandemic in under control.
In a press release, Global Athlete says, “As the world unites to limit the spread of coronavirus, the IOC must do the same.”
Olympic hopefuls, along with hundreds of other individual athletes called out IOC’s current stance, to move forward with the Olympics Games, which are scheduled for July 24.
”Athletes want to be part of a solution to ensure the games are a success,” the Global Athlete statement read. “But under the current global restrictions that are limiting public gatherings as well as closing training facilities and borders, athletes cannot appropriately prepare for these games, and their health and safety must come first.”
In consultation with the World Health Organization, IOC has stood firm on their belief that it’s too “early” to make a drastic called.
Caradh O’Donovan, a Global Athlete founder from Ireland, feels the IOC “hasn’t shown any real leadership” during this health crisis.
”They’re acting as though it’s business as usual, and it just seems very strange.” O’Donovan says.
American Olympian hurdler and bobsledder, Lolo Jones, tells the Associated Press, “If our job as Olympians and Olympic hopefuls is to inspire society and be healthy, we’re in direct conflict with that by going out in public to find gyms, tracks, and pools that are still open to training for the Games.”
O’Donovan says the concern around the world regarding training, substance control, and qualifying standards are among key concerns.
”My dream is to go to the Olympics this year, but it’s an impossible task, and it’s the same for a huge number of athletes,” O’Donovan said. I’d be stunned if the IOC chooses to move forward with the games in July.”
U.S. athletes took part in a conference call to share their thoughts and feelings on the health crisis and the possibility of postponing the Olympics until it safe for everyone involved.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee will be distributing a survey to athletes and will share a few of the responses at the IOC meeting next week.
