It was a huge blow to Japan, which has invested $12 billion in preparations, but also for the prestige of the Olympic movement and its leader, Thomas Bach, who had come under fire for not reacting sooner in the face of the global health crisis.
Tuesday’s decision came 122 days before the planned opening ceremony at Japan’s newly-built National Stadium, which was tousher in the 16-day event featuring 11,000 athletes from 206nations and territories. Tokyo Gas Co Ltd said it would decide whether to continue sponsorship for another year depending on conditions, including cost.
Somewhere around the original 2020 dates of July 24-Aug. 9 looks most likely, especially after organisers confirmed the marathon and race-walks would remain in Hokkaido where they were moved because of the sweltering Tokyo summer heat. The Olympic flame, already lit at Olympia in Greece and taken to Japan for a now-cancelled torch relay, will stay in the host nation and the Games will retain the title Tokyo 2020.US Anti-Doping Agency chief Travis Tygart raised the prospect that postponement might open the door for convicted drug cheats to compete for medals, an issue he told Reuters would need to be tackled.
For some athletes, an extra 12 months might be too long and 38-year-old Swiss Nicola Spirig, who won triathlon gold at the 2012 London Olympics, said she would be considering her options.