The 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo are being threatened by the coronavirus pandemic, and the International Olympic Committee is facing increasing pressure to make a decision as to whether they will indeed hold the Games according to plan.
The IOC has officially set a four-week deadline to make a decision regarding postponement, with the added possibility they could plan for a “scaled-down” Games, per Dan Roan of BBC:
“In light of the worldwide deteriorating situation… the executive board has today initiated the next step in the IOC's scenario-planning,” it said in a statement.
“These scenarios relate to modifying existing operational plans for the Games to go ahead on 24 July 2020, and also for changes to the start date of the Games.”
Cancellation is “not on the agenda”, said the IOC, but a ‘scaled-down' Games will also be considered.
However, postponement is thought to be the most likely outcome.
USA Swimming and USA Track & Field have both urged for postponement, and British athletic federations are also voicing concerns.
Although USA Basketball has yet to make a statement on the matter, Men's Basketball as an event may be in jeopardy, especially if the IOC is considering a “scaled-down” version. FIBA already postponed its Olympic Tournament draw.
Moreover, while the NBA is currently suspended, Adam Silver has indicated the league will do everything in its power to finish out the season. That timeline is totally unknown for now, though it is feasible numerous NBA stars could still be playing in August or even beyond.
Naturally, that poses an issue in terms of the Team USA roster for Tokyo.
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