Global athletes, kinastigo ang IOC

NEW YORK (AP) – Nanawagan ang grupo ng mga atleta na kabilang sa Olympics sa International Olympic Committee (IOC) na kanselahin ang Tokyo Games dagil sa epedemya ng COVID-19.

“As the world unites to limit the spread of Covid-19 virus, the IOC ... must do the same,” pahayag ng Global Athlete nitong Lunes.

Ang naturang panawagan ay bahagi ng pakikiisa ng mga Olympic hopefuls sa mga naging pahayag ng ilang indibidwal na atleta para hilingin sa IOC ang kanselasyon ng Olympics na nakayakda sa Hulyo 24.

Nauna nang ipinahayag ng IOC na mahigpit ang kanilang pakikipag-ugnayan sa World Health Organization at naniniwala na maaga pa para pagusapan ang knaselasyon.

“It’s bizarre the IOC hasn’t shown any real leadership,” pahayag ni Caradh O’Donovan, a Global Athlete founder mula sa Ireland kung saan natigil angkanilang training sa karate bunsod nang ipinatutupad na quarantine sa kanilang bansa.

“They’re acting as though it’s business as usual and it just seems very strange.”

“Athletes want to be part of a solution to ensure the Games are a success,” ayon sa Global Athlete statemen. “But under the current global restrictions that are limiting public gatherings as well as closing training facilities and borders, athletes do not have the ability to appropriately prepare for these Games, and their health and safety must come first.”

Hiniling ng grupo sa broadcasters, partijkular sa NBC, “to adopt the same level of duty of care toward athletes by supporting the IOC and (International Paralympic Committee) with flexibility and understanding during these uncharted times.”

Nagkakaisa rin ang mga atleta ng US Olympic team at hiniling na maisama sa pulong ng IOC ang kanilang mga hinaing.

Kamakailan, nagpahayag din si Lolo Jnes, isa sa pinakasikat na America’s best-known Olympians, hurdler and bobsledder, na umaasa siyang ikokonsidera ng IOC ang kanselasyon ng Olympics.

“If our job as Olympians and Olympic hopefuls is to inspire society and be healthy, we’re going in direct conflict with that by going out in public to find gyms and tracks and pools that are still open to train for the Games,” sambit ni Jones. “Some people are doing that because the IOC is telling us to stay ready, to keep training.”