The International Olympic Committee acknowledged Wednesday there was no “ideal” solution to staging this summer’s Tokyo Olympics as the deadly coronavirus pandemic swept the globe.
“This is an exceptional situation which requiresexceptional solutions,” an IOC spokesperson said after criticism from topathletes that they were being forced to take health risks should the July24-August 9 Games go ahead as scheduled during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The IOC is committed to finding a solution with theleast negative impact for the athletes, while protecting the integrity of thecompetition and the athletes’ health.
“No solution will be ideal in this situation, and thisis why we are counting on the responsibility and solidarity of theathletes.”
Earlier Olympic pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi andBritish heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson both voiced concerns after theIOC said it was “fully committed” to running the Games as scheduledfrom July 24.
“The IOC wants us to keep risking our health, ourfamily’s health and public health to train every day?” Stefanidi tweeted.”You are puttingus in danger right now, today, not in 4 months.”