The International Olympic Committee says it has held “constructive” talks with athlete representatives about the coronavirus crisis.
President Thomas Bach admitted he was ‘confronted with many questions’ over qualification and restrictions.
But he also insisted that ‘everybody realised that we still have more than four months to go’ until Tokyo 2020. The summer showpiece is still scheduled to begin on 24 July despite the cancellation of other sports events.
There has been mounting criticism from athletes, with the IOC accused of putting them ‘in danger’ by insisting it remains fully committed to the Games. Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi said the IOC was ‘risking our health’, while Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson said training had become ‘impossible’.
Speaking in an in-house IOC interview, Bach said: “We have just had a really great call with 220 athlete representatives from all around the world, it was very constructive and gave us a lot of insight. We aimed to continue being very realistic in our analysis. We will keep acting in a responsible way that is in the interest of the athletes whilst always respecting our two principles — the safeguarding and health of the athletes and contributing to the containment of the virus, and secondly to protect the interest of the athletes and Olympic sport.”
British four-time Olympic rowing gold medallist Matthew Pinsent criticised Bach’s comments on Twitter, accusing him of not properly listening to athletes’ concerns and stating that postponing the Olympics is the best option for all concerned.
“I’m sorry Mr Bach but this is tone deaf. The instinct to keep safe is not compatible with athlete training, travel and focus that a looming Olympics demands of athletes, spectators and organisers,” Pinsent wrote. “Keep them safe. Call it off.”
Earlier, in a statement, the IOC had warned ‘no solution will be ideal’ in preparing for Tokyo 2020. “This is an exceptional situation which requires exceptional solutions,” it said. “The IOC is committed to finding a solution with the least negative impact for the athletes, while protecting the integrity of the competition and the athletes’ health. No solution will be ideal in this situation, and this is why we are counting on the responsibility and solidarity of the athletes.”
