The International Olympic Committee on Sunday said it is considering postponing the Tokyo 2020 Games, bowing to the reality of the worsening coronavirus pandemic and growing pressure from athletes, sports federations and public health leaders to delay its multibillion-dollar centerpiece event. It changed course on Sunday by saying it would assess the world-wide health situation and consult with the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, Japanese authorities and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Whatever the outcome, moving the Games would be a complicated and disruptive event for a large number of constituencies. The IOC’s move came on the heels of USA Swimming, USA Track & Field and others calling for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee to use its influence with the IOC to postpone Tokyo 2020. Beyond scheduling concerns, any delay is certain to scramble the plan for Tokyo 2020 sites after the Games.

Source: Wall Street Journal March 22, 2020 19:07 UTC