Japan's PM says impossible to hold Games if pandemic persists
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The Tokyo Olympics, already delayed by a year due to the coronavirus, might not be held at all unless COVID-19 can be contained./AP

The Tokyo Olympics, already delayed by a year due to the coronavirus, might not be held at all unless COVID-19 can be contained./AP

The Tokyo Olympics, already delayed by a year due to the coronavirus, might not be held at all unless COVID-19 can be contained.The International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government postponed the Games last month until July 2021 because of the impact of the pandemic. 

With the pandemic's infection rate climbing and experts suggesting a vaccine is still a long way off; questions are being asked about whether the event might need to be delayed further. 

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe said the medical community in the country is moving toward a consensus that holding next year's Tokyo Olympics may depend on how soon the coronavirus vaccine is found.

"In regard to Olympics and Paralympics, we've been saying the Olympic and Paralympic Games must be held in a complete form, in that athletes and spectators can all participate safely. It would be impossible to hold the Games in such a complete form unless pandemic is contained," Shinzo Abe, Japanese Prime Minister.

"Since countries all over the world will participate in the Games, it must be held in a way that shows mankind has won its battle against the coronavirus infectious disease. Otherwise, it will be hard to hold the Games."

A cancellation would impact the athletes, first and foremost. Many only get one shot at an Olympic medal. Others may be at the end of their careers and attempting a final go-round.

It would also be a hit to the IOC, which depends on broadcast rights for approximately three-quarters of its income.

It would also be a huge blow to Japan. It was already estimated to have spent around $25 billion on the games and a postponement could cost an estimated $2 billion to $6 billion.

Source(s): AP