Los Angeles (AFP)
The American Swimming Federation on Friday urged its country's Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to push for a postponement of the Tokyo Games, given the coronavirus pandemic.
USA Swimming general manager Tim Hinchey "respectfully asked" the USOPC "to advocate for the postponement of the 2020 Olympics to 2021", in a letter to Sarah Hirshland, general manager of the US Olympic forum .
"We urge the USOPC, as a leader in the Olympic Movement, to use its voice and stand up for the athletes," Hinchey added in the post on Twitter after the USOPC said earlier on Friday voice of its president, Susanne Lyons, that there was "no need to press the IOC to make a decision".
USA Swimming, for its part, believes that the protocols of social distancing, or even confinement imposed in certain regions of the United States, in order to combat the spread of Covid-19, greatly disrupted the preparation of swimmers.
"As this global pandemic has developed, we have seen their world turned upside down and we have seen them struggle to find ways to continue to prepare and train - many of them for the most great competition of their lives, "wrote Hinchey.
"Our swimmers are always ready for any race, anytime and anywhere. However, going ahead amid the global health crisis this summer is not the answer. The right thing and responsible to do is to prioritize the health and safety of everyone, "he said.
"The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on entire populations, including those of our respected competitors. Everyone has experienced unimaginable disruption, just months before the Olympics, which calls into question the fairness of the rules for all" , he added.
"Our athletes are under tremendous pressure, stress and anxiety, and their mental health and well-being should be among the highest priorities," he concluded.
The United States has won 33 medals, including 16 gold, in the Rio Olympic pool in 2016. Their qualifications for the Tokyo Olympics, very high, are scheduled for June 21 to 28 in Omaha, Nebraska.
© 2020 AFP