Olympic doubts grow as Canada withdraws athletes
Olympic doubts grow as Canada withdraws athletes
(Web Desk) - The 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo have been thrown into further doubt after Canada became the first major country to withdraw.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, admitted for the first time that the games could be postponed.
Australia’s team said it was clear the games could not go ahead, while the British Olympic Association said it was unlikely to be able to send a team.
The International Olympic Committee is expected to decide in four weeks’ time.
It said postponement - but not cancellation - was an option being examined.
What did Canada say?
The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee said on Sunday that they had taken "the difficult decision" to withdraw after consulting athletes, sports groups, and the Canadian government.
They then "urgently called" on the IOC, International Paralympic Committee and World Health Organization, to postpone the games for a year.
"While we recognise the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community," their statement said.
The Canadians later posted a message on Twitter saying: "Postpone today. Conquer tomorrow."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Monday: "This was absolutely the right call and everyone should follow their lead."
What did Shinzo Abe say?
For weeks, Japanese officials have said the games will go ahead as planned.
But, speaking in parliament on Monday, Mr Abe admitted for the first time that Tokyo 2020 might have to be delayed.
"If it is difficult to hold [the games] in a complete way, a decision of postponement would be unavoidable as we think the athletes’ safety is paramount," he said.
But he insisted the games would not be cancelled altogether.
The Olympics have never been postponed or cancelled in peacetime. The 1940 Olympics - which were called off because of World War Two - were due to be held in Tokyo.
