
The coronavirus global pandemic seems to be shutting down daily life. Yesterday, the world’s biggest sporting event got a likewise big shove. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it will postpone the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Cancellation for this summer seemed certain. Nervous athletes, sports organizations, and national Olympic committees realized that disrupted training and travel wouldn’t allow the athletes to be ready for the world stage.
Olympic committees in Canada and Australia said they either would not, or could not, send a team to Tokyo in July.
Finally, the IOC said the Tokyo Games “must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020, but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.”
Four-time Olympic hockey champion and IOC member Hayley Wickenheiser tweeted, “To all the athletes: Take a breath, regroup, take care of yourself and your families. Your time will come.”
Olympics in 1916, 1940, and 1944 were canceled because of war. But none have ever been postponed for any reason. Interestingly, the rescheduled games will still be called the 2020 Olympics, even though they’ll be held in 2021.
Athletes are relieved. They don’t need to keep training under near-impossible conditions.
“Thankful to finally have some clarity regarding The Olympic Games. A huge decision but I think the right one for sure,” says British sprinter Adam Gemili.
The IOC’s decision also affects the many arenas, stadiums, and hotels already scheduled—plus the international sports schedule. Almost all 33 sports on the Olympic program have big events already on the docket for 2021.
As recently as Sunday, the IOC said it would take up to four weeks to reach a decision. That ended up being two days.
The decision came just hours after organizers declared the torch relay would start as planned on Thursday. But with no torchbearers and no public—those plans changed.
The flame will be stored and displayed in Fukushima, Japan. Like everything else in the Olympic world, its next move will be determined at a later date.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. — Proverbs 16:9
(The Olympic Rings at the entrance of the IOC, International Olympic Committee headquarters on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)
This makes me sad, but I
This makes me sad, but I think it's for the best. Also, I can't believe the Olympics have never been postponed! This year will definitely go down in history.
I saw this one coming!
Yeah, I kinda saw this one coming... I mean, we aren't supposed to meet in groups over ten people, so how are we going to have the Olympics? Having it in 2021 will make it less stressful for the athletes, and better for everyone involved.
@ Bella C
We aren’t allowed to be in groups more than 2 people! It’s worse here but better in a way, more strict. But they do say that the US is he slowest country to act towards the Coronavirus, unfortunately. Yeah! I’m part of history! Hehehe.
Addition to my comment above
We aren’t allowed to be in a a group of more than 2 people excluding your family.
PRAYER!
I agree Lena P, if you want prayer just say so and I will pray for you/your family
Tff
mijkklkklkl,P;;.;,.//s..//1l,mamnmnnnn nnzvvbvva
7th comment
What are you saying Chachu B?
SORRY.
My brother was playing with my computer. He is only 4. Sorry.
Well... the winter Olympics
Well... the winter Olympics are supposed to be in 2022 right? So if the summer Olympics are 2021 and winter Olympics in 2022 then we'll have 2 years with Olympics! :-) On the bright side...at least..
History in the making
History. This is Big. Wow. This is a big part in history.
Wow, I’m not big into the
Wow, I’m not big into the whole Olympics thing but this must be a big deal for a lot of people.
Also @Chachu
That is hilarious!!! My sister does that sometimes when I’m texting my friends! Lol.
I'm glad they didn't cancel
I'm glad they didn't cancel it all together. Hope the virus goes away. The virus is slowing down where I live.
I think the virus will last a
I think the virus will last a good part of the year. Like it won’t die down until July and even then it won’t be totally gone so like probably September or something. I’m lucky my birthday is after that! @ Chachu and Beth my sister also does those kind of things. I have to log out of things and lock them so she doesn’t get in.
@ Alaina H
Praise the Lord! I'm so glad it's clearing up in your area!
@Chachu
It's okay Chachu just wondering
Janna (Daniel's sister)
Now I'll have to wait another year....................ugh.
Oh!!!
That is really sad!!
This is JENNA
Well this helps everyone because the athletes wont get sick and they can train more but, I hope that by 2021 that COVID-19 will be a thing off the past!