The 2020 Olympics may be postponed, admits the IOC president.
The president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, expressed uncertainty about the holding of the Olympic Games due to the coronavirus outbreak. With 132 days to go before the start of the event in Tokyo, the probability of postponement is gaining strength.
247 - Bach has changed his stance regarding the postponement. Previously, the leader ruled out any possibility of postponing or canceling the Olympics, scheduled to begin on July 24. Now, he, also an Olympic champion in team fencing (foil) in Montreal-1976, has softened his tone: "We will follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization."
He points out that "the German official acknowledged 'serious problems in the qualifying tournaments,' as several competitions had to be postponed due to the increased spread of the disease and the number of cases worldwide. Bach stated that other qualifying tournaments 'are in danger.'"
The article further adds that "Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike asserted on Thursday that canceling the Olympics is 'unthinkable.' She has the support of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe."