‘Postpone Olympics’ – athletes’ mental health a concern as sporting world splits over Tokyo 2020 Games
- Rowing coach Chris Perry wants the Games to be called off so that athletes can return to their families and support their citizens and medical workers
- Anxiety for athletes who are left in limbo with qualifying tournaments postponed or cancelled and the Games itself in doubt
Veteran Hong Kong rowing coach Chris Perry is concerned for the mental well-being of athletes in Hong Kong and around the world over the uncertainty surrounding the Olympics, calling for the Tokyo Games to be postponed until the global fight against the Covid-19 pandemic is won.
USA Swimming and UK Athletics have called for a 12-month delay to Tokyo 2020, scheduled for July 24 to August 9. The Americans are also providing counselling to athletes who are left in limbo as qualifying events are postponed while the International Olympic Committee (IOC) insists the Games are on track.
“I would like to see a postponement and let everyone go home and be with their families and countries to focus their attention on supporting their citizens, the health care workers and all those who will lose their jobs and businesses,” Perry said.
“Let’s reset the dates and build up for the Olympics again when we have the [coronavirus] problem under control. We are reaching the point where the physical and mental health of our athletes may be affected.
“I stress this is my personal view and may not be in line with current IOC thinking but I think they will need to change course in coming weeks. We have put training equipment in every athletes quarantine room and we will keep fighting until a final decision is made. But it’s time to think about new solutions.”