The first two countries that announced their retirement from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has decided nor send any athlete to the Tokyo Olympics if these remain in 2020 and he has instructed his athletes to think about preparing to play them in the summer of 2021.

The AOC, after meeting its executive committee by teleconference, agreed to follow in the footsteps of Canada, the first country to officially expose its resignation from the Games Yes, within four weeks – the deadline given by the International Olympic Committee to adopt a final decision – the dates are maintained.

"The AOC believes that our athletes now need to prioritize their own health and that of those around them and to be able to return to their families, ”said the statement issued by the Australian committee, which stresses that it could not“ assemble a team ”applying a different approach at home and abroad.

Matt Carroll, executive director of the AOC, stated that there are many athletes preparing abroad, with travel restrictions and in an unsustainable situation and announced that he will contact his national federations to explain the new situation, after deciding that they will not go to Tokyo in 2020.

"We are now in a position where we can plan with greater certainty."he indicated.

For his part, the Australian team chief of mission for the Tokyo Games, Ian Chesterman reported that he contributed his vision after communicating with athletes from more than 25 sports. "It is clear that the Games cannot be held in July. The attitude of our athletes towards training and preparation has been magnificent, but the stress and uncertainty have been too strong for them. They have also taken on the concern of their colleagues around the world and that is what they have transmitted to me, ”he stressed.

"While there is much to be resolved as a result of this change, time will allow athletes around the world to prepare properly, hoping that the coronavirus crisis is under control, "added Chesterman, taking for granted the postponement of the Games.

Furthermore, and with a two-page letter addressed to the president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, the president of the international athletics federation (World Athletics), Sebastian Coe, acknowledged that the time has come to define a new date for the Olympic Games of Tokyo 2020, since its celebration from July 24 to August 9 "is neither feasible nor desirable" in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The uncertainty about the celebration of the Olympic Games in July and the inherent desire and motivation to excel that resides in all our athletes is causing them a true anguish that we can collectively stop ”, wrote the head of athletics worldwide.

(With information from EFE)