The fate of the Tokyo Olympics divides at the top of American sport: the Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) estimates that it takes more time to make a decision, when the powerful Swimming Federation requests their postponement in the face of the coronavirus pandemic .
"I think we agree with the IOC that we need more expert advice and information than we have today to make a decision," said Susanne Lyons on Friday. President of the USOPC, during a conference call with journalists.
Whether the 2020 Olympics will be held or not will be dictated “by no financial interest” via @ 20minutesSport https://t.co/y5f49KWQqD
- 20 Minutes Sport (@ 20minutesSport) March 20, 2020The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, had declared to the New York Times Thursday that "different scenarios" were under consideration, stressing however that any decision to postpone the Games would be premature. “Our tests will not take place next week or in two weeks. They are scheduled in four months. I think a lot can change between now and then. We therefore give the IOC the opportunity to collect this information and sound advice, ”added Susanne Lyons on Friday. And to conclude: "At this stage, we do not think that it is necessary for us to urge them to make a decision".
But soon after, the powerful American Swimming Federation split a letter to the USOPC, urging it to plead for a postponement. "We are asking the USOPC, as a leader in the Olympic Movement, to use its voice and defend the athletes," wrote USA Swimming general manager Tim Hinchey. “As this global pandemic has developed, we have seen the world of athletes turned upside down and we have seen them struggle to find ways to continue to prepare and train - many of them for the biggest competition of their lives, "added Hinchey.
"Athletes rather than money"
“Our swimmers are always ready for any race, anytime and anywhere. However, moving forward amid the global health crisis this summer is not the answer. The right and responsible thing to do is to prioritize the health and safety of everyone, ”he said.
It is the first time that an American sports federation, which is more of that weight (its swimmers won 33 medals, including 16 in gold, in Rio in 2016), has taken such a position, thus taking over. number of athletes and former athletes calling for a postponement of the 2020 Olympics.
How athletes try to prepare for the Olympics anyway via @ 20minutesSport https://t.co/JABQ7xNJuu
- 20 Minutes Sport (@ 20minutesSport) March 19, 2020Former American middle distance runner Kara Goucher accused the USOPC of placing financial considerations above the health of athletes. "Athletes are humans, they get sick!" she tweeted. "Postpone, so they can stay confined without worrying about losing their physical form!" Athletes rather than money, please! ”
Friday afternoon, the USOPC responded to USA Swimming, assuring it of its "total empathy for the community of athletes plagued by terrible stress and anxiety caused by the lack of certainty regarding the Tokyo Games". "Athletes also want the USOPC to make sure that we don't prematurely take away their opportunity to participate in the Games until we see it more clearly," she said.
"You have our promise"
Referring to the meeting of the IOC Executive Board next Tuesday, aimed at exchanging information with the representatives of the athletes, the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the international federations, the USOPC also undertook "to communicate clearly the concerns ”expressed by USA Swimming.
“The USOPC will be the first to forward suggestions and comments (from the athletes) and will be a staunch defender of their interests, their safety and the need for a fair play. You have our promise, ”she concluded.
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Coronavirus: Olympics could be postponed, recognizes IAAF president
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