Olympics could be canned
FEARS that the Tokyo Olympics will be cancelled have increased after the former chief executive of London 2012 said it was “unlikely” that the Games would take place this summer.
Sir Keith Mills said the Tokyo organisers would be preparing for a cancellation of the Olympics and Paralympics, although he added there was some hope if the coronavirus vaccination program could be rolled out across the world.
Lord Coe, the World Athletics president who worked with Mills as chairman of the London 2012 bid and organising committee, has insisted that the Games will take place but accepts it may have to be without big crowds.
The Times has learnt the uncertainty has already led to some potential sponsors dropping out of plans to be involved in the Games.
Mills, an entrepreneur who invented the Air Miles and Nectar loyalty schemes, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Personally, sitting here looking at the pandemic around the world in South America, North America, in Africa and across Europe, (the Olympic Games going ahead) looks unlikely,
I have to say.
“If I was sitting in the shoes of the organising committee in Tokyo — and thankfully I’m not — I would be making plans for a cancellation. I’m sure they have plans for a cancellation but I think they will leave it to absolutely the last minute in case the situation improves dramatically and in case the vaccines roll out faster. It’s a tough call and I wouldn’t like to be in their shoes.”
In Japan, public opposition to the Games is significant, with a poll last week reporting 77 per cent of those surveyed said it should be postponed again or cancelled.
Mills, who now chairs the Invictus Games, for wounded armed services personnel, later told The Times: “I would imagine the last thing that is on the minds of the people in Japan is having thousands of athletes arriving at Tokyo airport.
“Whether there are spectators is another consideration.”
The International Olympic Committee postponed the Games in March last year and Mills envisages a decision being made on this summer’s event, due to start on July 23, within two months.