'New Olympics schedule won't satisfy everybody', says World Athletics president
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe reiterated that setting a new timeline for Tokyo 2020 Olympics will bring new challenges to the table. Coe believes the solution won't cater to every sport, but there will an element of flexibility. Earlier, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach clarified that the Olympics should not be rescheduled beyond the summer of 2021. Here is more.
Quite a few sports will face a particular challenge
"All sports have made it pretty clear they have particular challenges at particular times of the year. We are probably not going to reach a solution that meets with the approval of every sport. But there has to be an element of flexibility," Coe said.
Olympics delay could bring relief to athletes
There have been speculations that Olympics could be held in the spring next year in order to ward off the brutal heat and humidity of Japan. "There are clearly demands for this decision to be taken as quickly as possible as the athletes and the federations need clarity," Coe stated. He added, "Once the decision is made, we can build (the calendars) around it."
Tokyo Games were postponed to 2021 due to coronavirus outburst
In a unanimous decision taken by Thomas Bach and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Tokyo Games were deferred to 2021. The postponement was announced hours after Canada and Australia told their athletes to not participate unless the Games are shifted to the following year. Previously, Coe also sent a letter to IOC, reminding about the uncertain plight of Olympics.
The new schedule is yet to be finalised
According to IOC president Thomas Bach, the fresh dates for Olympics have not been finalised yet. However, he cleared that it could be set up beyond 2020, but not later than the summer of 2021. "The agreement is that we want to organise these Games in the summer 2021," said Bach. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics were originally scheduled from July 24 to August 9.
