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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is had to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games due to the global coronavirus pandemic. The IOC postponed the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 and has scheduled for the games to commence on July 23.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic is still posing a problem in most countries, the IOC is under pressure to postpone the Olympics yet again. However, Thomas Bach, President of the IOC said that they were not going to yield to pressure and postpone the Tokyo Olympics once again.
Bach said that at this point in time there was no Plan B and the Olympics will start on July 23.
When COVID-19 first surprised the world in early 2020, the IOC was in no position to prepare and proceed with an event the size of the Olympics in the midst of a new pandemic. However, the IOC is definitely in a better position to prepare and deal with hosting the Olympics despite COVID.
Sky News Australia
This is because a number of top sporting leagues and organizations like the UFC, NBA, NFL and IPL have shown that it is possible to play in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and keep players safe. The two key to getting this done is to ensure that a bio-bubble is created and to not allow fans into the stadiums.
The IOC is yet to make a final decision on the matter but has said that it is considering hosting the Olympics without fans. There is no doubt that the IOC will also have to create a massive bio-bubble to house over 15,000 athletes in the Olympic village.
Olympic athletes train for four years to compete in the Olympics and win a medal for their country. Part of the thrill is to compete in front of a packed stadium and receive the applause for their achievements. While the athletes might feel let down if there are no fans, they will prefer to have the Olympics in front of empty seats than no Olympics at all.
Virus Experts Want Olympics Cancelled
While the IOC is keen on proceeding with the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, a number of virus experts are questioning the decision of the IOC.
They say bringing in 15,000 people from all over the world and getting them to stay together in the Olympic village during the pandemic is setting the stage for a big outbreak.
