Looks like the Tokyo Olympics may not be able to go ahead.

[TravellingSpoon]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-57760883

They have declared a state of emergency in Tokyo which will last until 22nd August.

I fee so sad for everyone involved if it does have to cancel. I love the Olympics.

How disappointing. I love the olympics.
It must be heartbreaking for the athletes who have trained for years for that competition

Won’t it be more likely that spectators will not be allowed?

Was the article clearer that games won’t go ahead felt a bit unsure

It was always a bit optimistic to think it could go ahead, such a shame it couldn't have been delayed until next year when hopefully things are a bit better- all of the work that both Japan and the athletes have put into preparing.

Some of the athletes have already left - Emma Wilson the GB windsurfer left yesterday.

I would have thought that it could ahead without spectators and in a bubble. If the athletes quarantine in the village and get tested before the start it should be OK I think.

I doubt this will change anything. This isn't the first state of emergency in Tokyo during the pandemic and they know full well the IOC will sue the tits off them if they cancel. Wouldn't surprise me to see more athletes withdraw or refuse to travel in the first place now, though.

Wow this news just highlights how unpredictable and unstable the whole pandemic is. You really can't plan ahead as everything can change so rapidly.

The women's football team flew out there yesterday.

On the news, it still sounds like going ahead, just that they won't be any spectators.

Sounds like still a lot of debate going on.

The horses set off the other day.

Noooo! I love the olympics. I’m sure they could go ahead with out spectators and daily testing. They make more in revenue from selling TV rights than spectators anyway.

The article doesn't say it's not going ahead, and that's not what's happening. It says they have gone back into a state of emergency to try to contain the virus more effectively throughout the Games. It means there will probably be no, or very few, spectators, but the Games will go ahead.

It will go ahead. Tokyo can’t cancel, the IOC is the only one who can and they have too much money tied up in it, and the issues in Tokyo itself don’t affect them.

As always, money before athlete welfare. They should have bumped this to 2024, and paris to 2028.

I think this highlights just how much power there is in sport, that isn’t being used for the good of the sport or the athletes. Athletes are a commodity.

@Reallyreallyborednow

It will go ahead. Tokyo can’t cancel, the IOC is the only one who can and they have too much money tied up in it, and the issues in Tokyo itself don’t affect them.

As always, money before athlete welfare. They should have bumped this to 2024, and paris to 2028.

I think this highlights just how much power there is in sport, that isn’t being used for the good of the sport or the athletes. Athletes are a commodity.

What would the athletes want though?

If it were me I wouldn’t want to keep waiting

It’s not like careers last a long time and you might be in your prime

I’d want quarantine and a village carefully done

The Olympics will absolutely go ahead (unfortunately).
The IOC want their cash - they will never cancel it

Waiting for the announcement that it will be taking place in empty stadiums - if they allow spectators, it would be a disaster

Very good article in the Huff Post

m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_60df3754e4b0ad1785db6686?fbclid=IwAR3mVPzabs3FgdzOUPVxqeC-kCytf8Alrocv3GHoIQHySu0_4pcCVFDzxM4

It won’t be canceled but they might restrict spectators. The athletes are restricted to the Olympic village and not allowed to leave. They have testing and quarantine there.

@FoxVillage

It won’t be canceled but they might restrict spectators. The athletes are restricted to the Olympic village and not allowed to leave. They have testing and quarantine there.

wow feels like a prison

I think it's too late for them to cancel them now, but I do think that it'll be massively restricted. Barely any spectators, lots of rules etc. I think they should have either changed the venue or moved it to 2022 a long time ago.

What would the athletes want though?

Many haven’t even been able to qualify. Australian athletes for example were restricted from traveling to qualification events in some cases. GB gymnast Becky Downie wasn’t able to qualify an event specialist place so isn’t going.

In many cases athletes who have been able to train through the last 2 years have major advantages over ones who have had to train at home.

I don’t think it embodies the spirit of the games and gives everyone a fair chance.

Well, hardly prison. I’m sure it’s very nice at the village. They are there to compete not to party. It’s a shame but can’t be helped.

It won’t be canceled but they might restrict spectators. The athletes are restricted to the Olympic village and not allowed to leave. They have testing and quarantine there

They also have to leave within 48 hours of their event.

@Reallyreallyborednow

What would the athletes want though?

Many haven’t even been able to qualify. Australian athletes for example were restricted from traveling to qualification events in some cases. GB gymnast Becky Downie wasn’t able to qualify an event specialist place so isn’t going.

In many cases athletes who have been able to train through the last 2 years have major advantages over ones who have had to train at home.

I don’t think it embodies the spirit of the games and gives everyone a fair chance.

If there was a poll I’d be interested to know what they’d want.

I know listening to some on radio the delay was challenging already

I hope they don't cancel, but instead restrict audiences/journalists/hangers on.

A lot of the competitors will be used to going into isolation/bubbles before and during their competitions.

Certainly a lot of the GB team have been double-jabbed too.

Japan has just over 2,000 cases a day and declares a state of emergency. The UK has over 30,000 yet is going to end all restrictions.

I'd favour a games with no spectators.