2020 Olympic Games Postponed

The Olympic Games is known for bringing athletes and fans alike together from all over the globe. Every four years the Olympic Games are hosted in one city alternating between the Summer and Winter Games. Hundreds of countries, languages and cultures define the millions of people that gather for one common purpose, the passion held for their country and dedication to their sport.

During struggling situations of illness and uncertainty around the world, it is times like these when our natural instinct is to unite together. Due to critical circumstances we are required to stay indoors and away from our family and friends. Unfortunately the sports world has taken a drastic hit as well, resulting in the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games announced by the President of the International Olympic Committee.

July 23 through August 8, 2021 will serve as the new time frame for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Athletes from all over the globe have been preparing for years to compete on the biggest stage in the world. The health and well being of others is the most important win to be achieved at the time being.

Following the announcement postponing the Olympic Games, many athletes and sport officials voiced their opinion on the decision made by the IOC last week.

US Gymnast and four time Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles expressed her concern about the mental strain the postponed Olympics may have on athletes. According to The Guardian, “We have to stay in shape mentally just as much as physically. That will play a big factor moving forward, listening to your body and your mind,” said Biles.

Despite the challenges that athletes will endure in the coming year to maintain their physicality, the health of the Olympic Community remains most important. “We need to make sure everyone in the US and around the world is healthy and safe. It was hard but it’s ok,” said Biles. 

The President of USA Track & Field, Vin Lananna was interviewed by Sports Illustrated discussing the effects the postponed Olympics will have on the sport. Due to all the challenges that come with the Olympics being delayed one year, Lananna stated that they have been in close contact with athletes, coaches and officials ensuring all are doing well considering the circumstances. 

According to Sports Illustrated, “There’s the mechanics of competing and then there’s the postponement and all the psychological things that go into it when something everyone has been looking forward to suddenly shifts,” said Lananna.

As a token to the people of Japan, the Olympic flame will stay lit and on display in Fukushima for the month of April representing a sign of recovery. “The Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present,” said Thomas Bach, President of the IOC.

Even though the sports world will not be coming together to compete come July, we will stay connected and stronger.