Advertisement

Olympic Federation of Ireland testing waters before Tokyo decision

The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) have stopped short of calling for the Tokyo 2020 games to...
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

16.50 23 Mar 2020


Share this article


Olympic Federation of Ireland...

Olympic Federation of Ireland testing waters before Tokyo decision

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

16.50 23 Mar 2020


Share this article


The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) have stopped short of calling for the Tokyo 2020 games to be postponed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Norway's Olympic Committee joined Canada on Monday afternoon in calling for this summer's Olympics - set to begin in the Japanese capital on June 24 - to be postponed.

Australia's Olympic Committee have reportedly told their athletes to prepare instead for a summer 2021 Olympic Games.

Advertisement

The OFI say they will be contacting its various member federations to get their thoughts on a range of topics relating to Tokyo 2020.

They are:

1) The current environment for their sport at elite level for those athletes tracking towards Tokyo

2) Restrictions to the training environment for their elite athletes

3) A general qualitative update on the current mood and any concerns that they have

4) On the basis that the OFI feels that Games are likely to be postponed, what is their current position on halting training sessions temporarily at this point?

They say they'll also be canvassing the opinion of athletes via the OFI Athletes Commission.

The International Olympic Committee say a decision on the fate of Tokyo 2020 will not be made for another four-weeks.

OFI President Sarah Keane said today, "We have heard the latest update from the IOC regarding the Games, and we await in due course further information from them.

"However, we need to consider what’s right for our athletes, coaches, federations and all involved in supporting the system in Ireland at this time.

"This does include considering if our potential Olympians can and/or should continue to engage in organised training for the foreseeable future.

“This may go against the grain of what they are used to doing day in day out, however at this time all options must be considered which we will do in conjunction with our Member Federations, athletes, Sport Ireland and other stakeholders.

"We can and are providing input into the IOC as the ultimate decision making body for the 2020 Olympic Games. However, we can make decisions in Ireland for the best of Team Ireland and all involved."


Share this article


Read more about

Australia Canada Coronavirus Covid-19 Norway OFI Olympic Federation Of Ireland Olympic Games Olympics Sarah Keane Tokyo 2020

Most Popular