London 2012 Olympics organiser Sir Keith Mills has raised speculation that Tokyo Olympics scheduled to begin in July will be able to go ahead, claiming it is looking “unlikely” due to rising coronavirus infections.
Tokyo organisers and the International Olympic Committee have no current plans to cancel the Games, with the aim to commence as planned in July despite growing cases.
Mills doubt has been reiterated by former Team GB star, Steve Parry, who told BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Sitting here and looking at the pandemic around the world, in South America, in North America, in Africa and across Europe, it looks unlikely.
“If I was sitting in the shoes of the organising committee in Tokyo, I would be making plans for a cancellation and I’m sure they have plans for a cancellation.
“I think they will leave it until absolutely the last minute in case the situation improves dramatically, in case the vaccinations roll out faster than we all hope.”
Parry urged organisers to set a deadline, claiming the uncertainty adds difficulty to athletes in their preparation for the Games.
“They need a deadline – the International Olympic Committee need to say ‘we will make a call by this date’ because the worst thing is to be in limbo
“I thought the Games were going to go on in 2020, but infection rates are leading to an extended period of uncertainty globally.”
A recent poll shows 80% of Tokyo residents expect the Games to be cancelled or postponed again.
Olympians such as Sir Matthew Pinsent have suggested pushing back the Tokyo Olympics to 2024. However, cancellation of the games would have a big impact on the national psyche Parry claims.
“For a country of 60-70million we have dominated, we were second on the medal table last time
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“It’s a huge source of national pride. It’s easy to dismiss that and say ‘this is elite sport, it doesn’t really matter’ but the fact of the matter is we achieve greater participation when we see national heroes performing like Rebecca Adlington, Chris Hoy, Mo Farah and so on.”
Tokyo 2020 organising committee spokesman Masa Takaya said last week there has not been a discussion about a further delay to this summer’s Games or a cancellation.
It comes as policing chiefs say they have “every confidence” the Birmingham Commonwealth Games will go ahead as planned.
West Midland’s Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Matt Ward, told policing board members in his view the games “will be going ahead” next year.
Addressing the force’s monthly strategic policing and crime board meeting, Mr Ward said:
“As I sit here today, I have absolutely every confidence the Games will go ahead in 2022, and with 18 months still to go, time is on our side.
“(With) the planning processes we are going through, I am really satisfied that where there are some risks, we have mitigated them.
“I am aware there’s been some media comments recently that suggest ‘were we still planning for the games for 2022?’ – I’ve seen nothing to suggest that this won’t take place.
“As always, we are cautious, we have contingency plans in place.
“But my view, as I sit here today, is the Commonwealth Games 2022 will be going ahead.
“They will be safe, they will be secure and they will be a fantastic opportunity for the city and wider region.”
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