Fear and Uncertainty for US Olympic Preparations

(ATR) Leaders of the U.S.Olympic and Paralympic Committee say they face unprecedented challenges preparing for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo four months away.

"There is no operating manual," USOPC chair Susanne Lyons said about the health crisis the world faces confronting the novel corona virus. The pandemic threatens the viability of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with significant disruptions to athlete training and selection for the Games, due to start July 24. While the illness may have peaked in Asia, Europe and the United States are now dealing with an onslaught that could last for months to come.

So far the IOC has kept to its objective of holding the Tokyo Games as scheduled. IOC President Thomas Bach says the IOC is considering all scenarios for Tokyo, but that it is still too early to make any decisions about changing dates.

Lyons and CEO Sarah Hirshland spoke to reporters in a teleconference following the regularly scheduled USOPC Board of Directors meeting. While the meeting was on the calendar, business was conducted by teleconference in keeping with safety measures against the corona virus. Lyons described the atmosphere as "tense".

Hirshland said the board established two principles to follow in regard to the pandemic and the Olympics.

Foremost she says is the safety of athletes and their welfare as well as the community at large. She mentioned expanding mental health services from the USOPC that are now available to athletes.

Hirshland says the second principle the USOPC will follow is to make fact-based decisions that include communication with athletes, NGBs, sponsors and broadcasters.

Hirshland says as best as they can, athletes should continue training for a 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. But with restrictions on personal contact andclosed venues, training opportunities are growing scarce.

Even athletes living at the training center in Colorado Springs, headquarters of the USOPC, face challenges. While they could continue living in the dormitory style accommodations at the center, the training facilities are closed.

Hirshland admits the disruptions to training and Olympic qualifying events is significant and will remain so while the pandemic rages. She says that plans are being prepared "for a variety of outcomes". She says athletes want clarity, but not all agree on what should be done.

"The reality is that there are issues on both sides creating real anxiety and concern for all of us," she says.

"There are athletes who view this as their only chance and their last chance. So the ambiguity is what makes it so difficult. We are living with a lack of certainty and clarity right now. We absolutely hope to have clarity as soon as is practical," said Hirshland.

Lyons says she has been speaking regularly with the office of IOC President Thomas Bach as well as with her peers at NOCs around the globe. Lyons participated in the teleconference with the IOC leader held Wednesday for NOC leaders.

While the board meeting was dominated by the effect of the corona on the USOPC, two governance changes moved forward.

Out for 90 days of public comment are new by-laws that will provide for greater involvement of athletes in USOPC decision making.

The second by-laws change strengthens the role of the USOPC overseeing the National Governing Bodies.

Both changes have been developed in the aftermath of the abuse scandal in USA Gymnastics and other NGBs.

Dave Haggerty took a seat on the USOPC Board for his first meeting. The president of the International Tennis Federation was elected to the IOC in January. As such he joins two other U.S. IOC members on the board who together make up one vote.

Reported by Ed Hula.