Will the "postponed" 2020 Olympic Games occur in 2021?

Photo courtesy of Adrian O. Alegria, via Flickr.com

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

TOKYO, JAPAN (July 23, 2020) Exactly one year from today, July 23, 2021, the "postponed" Games of the XXXII Olympiad are scheduled to begin. On that day, fans will see preliminary competition in archery and rowing, along with the Opening Ceremonies to be held at Olympic Stadium from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Japan Standard Time. The Games were postponed from the original schedule dates in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The postponement was viewed around the world with both positive and negative comments, but with the general consensus that the Games mustt be safe for all concerned; athletes, coaches, officials, media, and spectators alike.

On Wednesday, July 22, TIME magazine published an article entitled "Tokyo Olympics Head: 2021 Games Not Possible Under Current Coronavirus Conditions." To begin the article, it was stated:

The delayed Tokyo Olympics could not be held next year if conditions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continue as they are, the president of the organizing committee said Wednesday. In an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, Yoshiro Mori said he was hopeful the situation would improve and suggested a vaccine was the key. “If this kind of situation (with COVID-19) continues, is it possible to hold the games?” Mori was asked by NHK. “If current situation continues, we couldn’t,” Mori replied, speaking in Japanese.

So here we are; one year put from the "postponed" Games. Athletes are training and plans are being made for the Games to go on. If the situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic does not improve, the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee have stated that the Games will not be postponed again and could possibly be cancelled.

That would be devastating to the athletes who are preparing for the competition, but what other decision do they have? Professional sports seasons in the United States and around the world have been postponed or delayed. College sports have been suspended with questions arising whether or not their seasons will even occur.

This is a trying time for all sports; whether it be the Olympic Games, professional sports, college programs, and even scholastic and youth sports. Decisions are being weighed with sport administrators facing the results and consequences of their decisions.

Around the world, 10,000-plus athletes are wondering of they will be able to achieve that goals of competing in the Olympic Games. All they can do is continue to train and hope everything works out. The pandemic has altered the lives of everyone on the planet, and everyone just hopes for a positive outcome, a healthy life, and that everyone  comes through these trying time in good measure.