Photo: The Japanese government still insists on holding the Olympics as scheduled. On the 21st, tens of thousands of people in Miyagi prefecture lined up to visit the East Olympic Flame
The new crown pneumonia epidemic is spreading around the world, leading to a halt to major sporting events, including the American Athletics Association, and calls for an extension of the Tokyo Olympics are growing, the newspaper reported. (Reuters)- The East Olympic Organizing Committee has begun to work out different options to prepare for the postponement of the Games, which is quite different from the Japanese government`s claim to insist on holding the event on schedule.
According to two anonymous sources close to the OCOG, the OCOG has begun to work out alternatives to the scheduled Olympics in July, Reuters reported. "Eventually, we were asked to simulate the extension ," said one of the sources, adding that the organizing committee was developing B、C、D plans that included different extension schedules and corresponding cost estimates. The committee will debate options at the end of this month, which could reduce the size of the competition or hold an audience-free competition, the person said.
Another source also confirmed that BOCOG was discussing delays, including one to two years. But some organizing committee members would like to extend it for only one month or 45 days. Both the OCOG and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have not responded. A final extension will be decided by the IOC, but Japan`s position can not be ignored. Japan has invested tens of billions of dollars in early preparation and has received more than $3 billion in corporate sponsorship, which cost a lot if postponed.
American Swimming Association and Athletics Association
Affected by the epidemic, many Olympic qualifying competitions are suspended, training venues are closed, athletes are difficult to carry out daily training, and participating in the competition also faces health risks. A number of organizations and individual athletes have spoken out, asking IOC to postpone the Tokyo Olympics. The American Swimming Association said on the 20th, there is no guarantee that players training from the risk of infection. 21, the American Athletics Association also sent a letter to the United States Olympic Committee, asking it to convey to IOC the desire to postpone the East Olympic Games. In his letter, Siegel, Chief Executive Officer of the American Athletics Association, stated :" The right and responsible approach is a priority for everyone`s health and safety. "
Coward, president of the British Athletics Association, and members of the olympic committee in brazil, norway and slovenia called for an extension. "Our clear recommendation is that the Tokyo Olympics will not be held until the global epidemic is under control ," the NOC said. "
American track-and-field athlete Johnson (Michael Johnson), who won four Olympic gold medals, is concerned that his life will be at risk at this stage. "Athletes still have to train, but many people don`t have a place to train ," he wrote in Twitter. If you don`t train, you may be in danger. "
The delay is difficult
Japan`s government has long insisted that the games will be held on time, and prime minister shinzo abe hopes that the tourism and consumer industries will prosper, and if delayed, more than $3 billion in domestic business sponsorship and japan`s government of about $12 billion in preparatory expenses will be hit.
Japanese media means that the Olympic Games delay operation difficulties, including re-recruitmentment of venues, coordination and follow-up events, determine the right to participate. For athletes who continue to adapt to the Olympic Games, it is highly likely to disrupt their own rhythm and performance, while in athletics and other events, it may be necessary to resume the selection of Olympic qualifications if the delay is too long, and some of those who have already obtained the right to compete may resort to international sports arbitration court..
Faced with international pressure, IOC President Bach first indicated on the 20th that he would consider different options, and IOC would meet again the following week to gather views. But Bach also points out that the Olympics, unlike the normal Saturday football match, would be very complicated if they were to be postponed, and unfair to athletes who have been preparing for long periods of time, especially those at the end of their careers.
