As discontent begins to mount among athletes and certain leaders who demand the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics (scheduled from July 24 to August 9), Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, said in an interview with the New York Times, that it would be "premature" to make this decision, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
"For us, it would not be responsible today and it would be premature to go into speculation and make a decision," added Mr. Bach. According to him, "we don't know what the situation will be. Of course we are looking at several scenarios. "
The flame arrived in Japan
The Games are expected to open on July 24 until August 9. The IOC has dedicated a working group to this issue. And for now, "we have no recommendation," for his part, continues Thomas Bach. "Therefore it would not be responsible, in any way, to set a date or make a decision right away, which would be based on speculation about future events," he said.
But Bach said everyone's health will come "first." "The IOC's decision will not be determined by any financial interest," he said. The Olympic flame arrived this Friday in Japan, where the planned ceremony was reduced to its simplest expression due to the pandemic.
