Japan's Abe flags potential to postpone Olympic

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe say a postponement of the Tokyo Olympics would be unavoidable if the games cannot be held in a complete way because of the COVID-19 impact.

He was commenting on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) plan to examine the situation over the next few weeks and make a decision, which could include a postponement.

Abe, speaking at a parliamentary session, ruled out the possibility of a cancellation.

Whether Tokyo can hold the Olympics as planned from July 24 has been a major international concern as the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally.

Leaders at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee said the update provided by the IOC about the Tokyo Olympics signalled an important step but athletes are still beset with questions about whether the games will go ahead as scheduled in July.

The statement came from USOPC chair Sarah Hirshland and the athlete advisory council leader, Han Xiao.

They said they’re sticking with the advice Hirshland offered Friday — that athletes continue to prioritize their health and wellness over everything else.

But they said they’re eager to explore alternatives “to ensure all athletes have a robust and fulfilling Olympic and Paralympic experience, regardless of when that can safely occur.”

The leader of the international track federation, Seb Coe, sent a letter to IOC president Thomas Bach saying holding the Olympics in July “is neither feasible nor desirable” with the coronavirus impacting huge swaths of the globe.

Coe sent the letter Sunday after meeting with leaders from around the world in track, which is the biggest sport at the Olympics.

It came hours after the IOC announced it could take up to four weeks to make a decision on whether to postpone the games, which are scheduled to start July 24.

Coe cited issues of fairness, the increased likelihood of injuries if athletes have to rush through training and the uncertainty caused by public health issues that are forcing many countries to order all people to stay indoors.

Coe reiterated what he's said before — that nobody wants to see the Olympics postponed, but it can't be held at all costs, specifically the cost of athlete safety.

Meanwhile, the IOC will take four weeks to weigh options for the Tokyo Games amid mounting calls from athletes and Olympic officials for a postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The time will be used to plan different scenarios for the July 24-Aug. 9 games, the IOC said Sunday. -- AP