USA Swimming is asking the Olympic Committee to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by a year due to the spread of the coronavirus, according to a letter written to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
In a letter, USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey said that U.S. swimmers haven’t been able to train for the games like they have in the past.
“Everyone has experienced unimaginable disruptions, mere months before the Olympic Games, which calls into question the authenticity of a level playing field for all,” Hinchey said. “Our athletes are under tremendous pressure, stress and anxiety, and their mental health and wellness should be among the highest priorities.”
U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland and USOPC Chairwoman Susanne Lyons spoke to reporters on a conference call Friday, with Hirshland saying the situation was “a work in progress as the environment continues to evolve,” according to ESPN.
Jacob Pebley, a swimmer on the 2016 Olympic team, wrote in an Instagram post Thursday night that he was concerned about the upcoming games in July.
“How can we, members of Team USA and role models for hundreds of thousands of young athletes, attend Olympic Trials/the Olympics in good conscience?” Pebley wrote. “To do so would fly in the face of all emerging evidence and best practices for social distancing and protecting the health of vulnerable communities.”
There are more than 250,000 confirmed cases of the virus and more than 11,000 deaths worldwide. Since the beginning of the outbreak, dozens of countries have imposed travel bans and hundreds of large events and conferences have been canceled.