The International Olympic Committee this week strongly rebuffed a report fromThe Times of London that claimed the Olympics were in danger of being canceled.
The IOC called the Times’ report, which cited an unnamed senior member of the ruling coalition, “categorically untrue.” The source said that Japanese authorities had privately concluded that the Olympics could not proceed due to the ongoing pandemic.
"Some news reports circulating today are claiming that the government of Japan has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be canceled because of the coronavirus," said the statement from the IOC, which was reported by CNN. "This is categorically untrue ... All parties involved are working together to prepare for a successful Games this summer."
The statement went on to note that Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga has expressed his determination to hold the Games.
"All our delivery partners including the national government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the IOC and the IPC are fully focused on hosting the Games this summer," the statement said. "We hope that daily life can return to normal as soon as possible, and we will continue to make every effort to prepare for a safe and secure Games."
Other Olympic officials also quickly denied the Times’ report.
"Unfortunately, I need to address unfounded rumors that Tokyo Games will be canceled, rumors that only create more anxiety for the athletes in our sports," Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll told reporters Friday. "The Tokyo Games are on. The flames will be lit on the 23rd of July 2021. This has been just reconfirmed again by the Japanese Prime Minister this afternoon.”
