DO WHAT’S RIGHT FOR ATHLETES
British track star Rooney’s plea to Olympic bosses to postpone Games
MARTYN ROONEY has vowed to run up hills and jump on and off boxes – if that is the only way to get him to the Olympics in shape.
But the two-time European 400m champion says it is preferable for Games chiefs to “do what’s right for athletes” and postpone Tokyo 2020, which is due to start on July 24.
Trying to train when facilities are closed, events cancelled and the country on the brink of total lockdown has become almost impossible, he warned.
Of greater concern to Rooney is that it is also potentially dangerous – not only to the athletes but to their families, coaches and support staff.
“The International Olympic Committee (IOC) needs to make a clear call,” he said.
“I know they’re saying they’re going to wait and wait but maybe just go for that delay. Do what’s right for the athletes.
“And it’s not just us. It’s support staff like my coach, who has health issues and is not allowed to be anywhere near us. You just can’t put lives at risk.”
Alejandro Blanco, president of Spain’s Olympic Committee, added his voice to those calling for a postponement.
One of those is Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who said conflicting advice from Olympic organisers and politicians had made training “impossible”.
The IOC concede “no solution will be ideal in this situation” and say for that reason “we are counting on the responsibility and solidarity of the athletes”.
Rooney, 32, insists nobody is about to throw in the towel. “When my track closes I’ll go run some hills on my own, jump on and off boxes and do all those basic things,” said the 2008 Beijing relay bronze medallist.
“But is that going to be enough to get you ready for an Olympic Games? Probably not.
“It’s nice to think you could just turn up to the Olympics and run fast straight away but it doesn’t work like that.
“You need time and competitions in which to build. You also need a definite date for which to aim. Without one, how much motivation do you have to go through the horrible sessions?”