MANILA – With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic worsening worldwide, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
It is the first time in modern Olympic history that a global health issue has affected the world’s biggest sports event.
In a statement last night, the IOC said they have agreed to reschedule the Olympics to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer of 2021 “to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.”
“The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present,” the IOC said.
“Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020,” the IOC added.
The world wars before cancelled the 1916 (Berlin), 1940 (Tokyo), and 1944 (London) editions of the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino said that the Summer Games’ suspension was a blessing in disguise as the country targets its first ever gold medal.
“It’s better to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics rather than cancel it to not lose our chance for our first gold medal or even more golds,” Tolentino said yesterday.
He added: “A 2021 schedule is ideal enough. A postponement would mean more time to train for those who have already qualified and for those who are still trying to qualify.”
Four Filipinos have already earned their slots in the postponed Olympics. They are Ernest John Obiena (pole vault), Carlos Edriel Yulo (gymnastics), along with boxers Eumir Marcial and Ilongga Irish Magno.
“I favor a postponement because the health and safety of everyone in sports – both in the Philippines and all over the world is paramount in this COVID-19 pandemic,” Tolentino stressed.
“The POC advises all athletes, coaches, officials, and stakeholders to stay safe, stay at home, and observe government and Health Department protocols so we could defeat this virus,” he added./PN
