By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2020 Olympic Games won’t feature any athletes from Canada if they are held this year.
The Canadian Olympic Committee issued a statement saying that they have decided (a “difficult decision”) that no athlete nor team will participate in the Olympic Games of 2020. Canada is among the country-hosts of the FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifiers with one of the tournaments being scheduled to take place in Victoria from 23 to 28 of June.
Greece, Turkey, China, Uruguay and the Czech Republic are to participate in the tournament, apart from Canada.
The Committee, backed by the Canadian Athletes’ Commissions, National Sports Organizations and the Canadian Government asks the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to hold the Olympics one year afterward, in 2021. On Sunday (22/3), the IOC announced that there is a four-week deadline for them to consider a potential postponement of the 2020 Olympics.
“While we recognize the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community,” the Canadian IOC says, mentioning also that there are other reasons behind their decision.
“This isn’t solely about athlete health – it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it’s not safe for our athletes and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games. In fact, it runs counter to the public health advice which we urge all Canadians to follow,” the statement also mentions.
A few days ago, Croatia coach Veljko Mrsic posed a question regarding how ready the athletes will be if the 2020 Olympic Games will be held as scheduled.