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The United States swimming team asked its Olympic Committee on Friday to request the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Games until next year, due to the problems that the coronavirus pandemic is causing worldwide and therefore in preparation of athletes.

Through a letter from director Tim Hinchey to the president of the country's Olympic Committee, Sarah Hirshland, the American swimming sees no reason to go ahead with the Tokyo 2020 plan. "As the head of our 400,000 members and many of the greatest Olympic champions of the world, I feel compelled to talk about the Olympics this July in Tokyo, "he says.

"Our highest priority is and always will be the health and safety of our swimmers, technicians, members and volunteers. With this global pandemic growing, we have seen the world of our athletes turn upside down, struggling to find ways to continue their preparation and training for the greatest opportunity of their lives, "continues the letter.

Hinchey exposes the delicate situation in which swimmers and athletes around the world are, who have seen their preparation cut due to extensive restrictions and almost worldwide quarantine to stop the expansion of the coronavirus. "Our elite swimmers are always ready to compete against anyone, wherever and whenever. However, moving forward in the midst of the global health crisis is not the way," he says.

Pressure, stress and anxiety

"The correct and responsible thing is to prioritize the health and safety of all and recognize the toll this global pandemic is taking on the preparation of athletes. It has transcended borders and has wreaked havoc on entire populations, including those of our respected rivals. All the world has been affected a few months after the Olympic Games, which casts doubt on the authenticity of a level playing field in competition, "he adds.

"Our athletes are under great pressure, stress and anxiety, and their mental health and well-being should be top priorities. For all these concerns, we respectfully request that the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee request the postponement of the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 for one year, "he requests.

Swimming, one of the most important sports of the Games together with athletics, and the United States, power of the sport, are joined in one more check by more Games in the air than ever. "We urge the USOPC, as a leader within the Olympic movement, to use its voice and defend athletes," he says.

Almost at the same time that the letter was known, on her personal Twitter account, Sarah Hirshland herself sent a message in which she prioritized the health of each citizen, as the country prepares for more serious containment measures. "In the midst of the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, our number one priority as Americans should be our health and safety," he wrote.

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