Canadian Dick Pound, former IOC Vice-President, is a voice in the world of Olympism.
Faced with the health crisis and threats to the Tokyo Olympics (July 23-August 8, 2021), he told
Sky Sports
the idea that athletes could be among the people to be vaccinated as a priority against Covid-19 so that the Tokyo Games can take place in good conditions: "In Canada, where we could have 300 or 400 athletes - to take 300 or 400 vaccines out of the millions to have Canada represented at an international event of this scope, character and level - I don't think that would cause any public outcry.
It is a decision that every country has to make and there will be people who will say they are in line, but I think it is the most realistic way to do it ”.
The British site recalls that the IOC "is currently studying ways to help immunize athletes in countries where it is unlikely that there will be a large vaccination program before the summer".
"There will be a time, hopefully in late spring or summer, before the Olympics, when athletes can be vaccinated"
Andy Anson
As for the priority mentioned by Dick Pound, Andy Anson, the secretary general of the British Olympic Committee told
Sky Sports
, after discussions with the government: "They will not have priority access now because I think everyone - including athletes - would agree that priority is given to those who need it most;
frontline workers, the elderly, those with health problems and this is the first wave of vaccination.
There will be a time, hopefully in late spring or summer, before the Olympics, when athletes can be vaccinated. ”
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