The Australian Olympic Committee has conceded the Covid-19 pandemic will ensure the Tokyo Olympics is delayed, telling athletes to prepare for a Games in the northern summer of 2021.
“It’s clear the Games can’t be held in July. Our athletes have been magnificent in their positive attitude to training and preparing but the stress and uncertainty have been extremely challenging,” Australian team chef de Mission for Tokyo Ian Chesterman said.
The International Olympic Committee and Japanese government only flagged that postponement was possible during the past 24 hours, having last week maintained a stance that the opening ceremony would be staged on 24 July.
