ADAM PEATY hailed the decision to finally postpone the Tokyo Olympics, admitting: The IOC’s indecision put lives at risk.
Olympics chiefs yesterday moved the £10billion Games back 12 months following pressure from athletes and sporting nations.
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Adam Peaty believes it is the right decision to postpone the Olympics by a yearCredit: PA:Press Association
Top stars felt they were training in limbo and potentially spreading coronavirus in a rush to get fit for the July 24 date.
Britain’s Olympic swimming champion and world record holder Peaty, 25, said: “We were going into facilities and putting other people at risk. A lot of athletes can breathe now.
“We felt under pressure to train, felt under pressure to compete because the Olympics were a few months away.
“It’s the right decision — the only one that could be made at this point.
“This is a matter of life or death and we all need to do the right thing.
“If you are saying hello to the receptionist who is two metres away, or to the lifeguard, the cleaners.
“With those facilities you have tons of people who rely on you going in there for their job.
“Having that decision from the IOC has lifted that release that we don’t need to be in shape for the summer and don’t need to put unnecessary risk on other people.
“We can save those resources for the NHS and people who really need them as well.”
As the world battles the spread of Covid-19, the decision was taken following a phone call between Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and IOC President Thomas Bach.
German Bach said the cost of postponing Tokyo 2020 was not discussed but said: “This is about protecting lives.”
This week’s Olympic torch relay has been cancelled to avoid attracting large crowds and the Olympic flame will remain in Japan. Jade Jones, two-time Olympic Taekwondo gold medallist, is “truly gutted” and has lost all motivation for training.
She said: “You give your heart and soul to something for four years then for it not to go ahead is just horrible.
“Obviously health comes first, and my biggest priority right now is protecting my family and loved ones, and doing everything I can do to help save the lives of others.
“But as an elite athlete, it is very demotivating and mentally tough.”
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Two-time Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee, 31, said it was the “right” call to postpone.
The Yorkshire star said: “Evidently a very tough decision for the IOC and other stakeholders to make but, in my opinion, the right one.
“Both, for the message it sends to people around the world battling with the virus and to give clarity to athletes attempting to prepare.”
Katarina Johnson-Thompson, 27, the reigning world heptathlon champion, was heartbroken over the news.
She said: “Waited eight years for this. What’s another one in the grand scheme of things?
“As an athlete, it’s heart-breaking news about the Olympics being postponed until 2021 but it’s for all the right reasons and the safety of everyone! Hope everyone keeps safe and stay indoors.”
And BOA chief executive Andy Anson added: “It is with profound sadness that we accept the postponement.
“But in all consciousness it is the only decision we can support.
“It is time for athletes to stop thinking about Tokyo 2020 for now and be home and safe with their families.”
Olympics postponed as Tokyo 2020 is latest sporting event crushed by coronavirus and pushed back until 2021
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
