Top Story Replay: Bach All In on Tokyo 2020

(ATR) Thomas Bach says he has even greater confidence in the success of the 2020 Olympic Games following a conference call with Tokyo organizers.

He avowed their commitment to opening the Summer Games as scheduled on July 24, despite widespread coronavirus fears.

"It is still true what we said yesterday…it is even more true because the organizing committee has joined this statement that we are fully committed in successful Olympic Games Tokyo 2020," the IOC president told journalists at a news conference in Lausanne, following two days of Executive Board meetings.

"I can tell you today in the meeting of the executive board that neither the word cancellation nor the word postponement was even mentioned," Bach said.

The IOC Executive Board conducted a morning video conference call with Tokyo 2020 leaders Yoshiro Mori, Toshiro Muto and organizing committee officials. Tokyo Games coordination commission chair John Coates also participated.

Bach said his confidence was assured as the IOC can see "there is a close cooperation between the organizing committee, the Tokyo metropolitan government, the Japanese government and decisions are being taken in a very responsible way after very diligent deliberations."

The IOC president referred again to a joint task force that was established in mid-February between those three main Japanese stakeholders, the IOC, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Of course, we are responsible organizations and this is why we are having regular meetings and addressing any issue that may arise, but we are not speculating on any future developments," he said.

The novel coronavirus has killed 3,200 people, the vast majority in mainland China, and there are now over 92,000 global cases with infections in more than 70 countries and territories.

Pressed by a journalist about how he could be so sure that the Tokyo Games will proceed as planned considering the uncertainty of the spread of the coronavirus, Bach referred to specific assurances given to him by WHO director general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"I had a conversation with the director general of the World Health Organization and leading people in the organization last Friday, and when we say we are fully committed to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, we took this conversation into consideration, as well as the contribution and advice the World Health Organization is giving on a regular basis to the joint task force," Bach said.

Bach admitted difficulties lie ahead in regards to the staging of fair Olympic qualification events for athletes, considering ongoing cancellations due to the coronavirus.

"We have challenges now with qualification and you know the many measures we have been undertaking," Bach said. "This is challenging yes, but I must also say I’m pretty proud of the Olympic Movement, of the great solidarity and flexibility everyone has shown so far to address these challenges and to ensure fair qualifications."

Surf’s Up

Despite initially expressing concern over the 9,800-mile distance between Tahiti and Paris, Bach is now stoked for surfers to ride the epic waves of Teahupo’o off the coast of the French Polynesian island at the 2024 Games.

"The surfing athletes are really eager to have this competition in Tahiti, because of the conditions there, the waves," Bach said.

"The report from Paris…there were, in particular, two important points, the athlete experience there and the sustainability issue.

"We could see this decision [having surfing in Tahiti] does not affect the project of the Games of 2030 will become climate positive and also will not affect the commitment of Paris to become carbon neutral," he said.

International Surfing Association president Fernando Aguerre said surfing, which debuts at Tokyo 2020, will continue to be a game-changer for the Olympic Movement for Paris 2024 with major emphasis on protecting and respecting the environment.

"Tahiti as the Olympic venue is testimony to Paris 2024’s spirit of creativity and innovation," Aguerre said. "Surfing is a sport for the new era of the Games and this approach by Paris 2024 demonstrates how our values are aligned.

"We are fully committed to ensuring sustainability and ocean conservation around the venue and preserving the beautiful surroundings of the island, whilst respecting the needs of the local population. The Games will leave a legacy of sustainability that adapts to the site – not the contrary – factoring in economic, social, and environmental perspectives."

2023 IOC Session To India

The IOC has chosen Mumbai, India, as the host of the 2023 IOC Session.

"India is the second most populous nation in the world, a young nation having a huge potential for Olympic sport and we want to tap in to this great potential and support the NOC of India and national sport federations to promote and strengthen Olympic sports," Bach said.

The year 2023 also marks the 75th anniversary of the independence of India.

Written and reported by Brian Pinelli in Lausanne

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