Chef de mission Pieter van den Hoogenband likes the fact that there is already clarity about the new dates of the Olympic Games. The world’s largest sporting event is now being held in Tokyo from July 23 to August 8, 2021.
“We hoped for this quick clarity,” says Van den Hoogenband. “So we’re going to start the Games 364 days later than planned. More than a year of extra preparation for everyone. July 23, 2021 is now with a big exclamation mark in my agenda.”
The Games were supposed to be held next summer, but the global corona crisis made it impossible for athletes to prepare properly. In addition, many qualifying tournaments ended, so last week it was decided to move the Games to 2021.
At that time, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) promised to announce a new start date within three weeks, but it ultimately took President Thomas Bach only six days to organize.
‘I see a lot of willpower among athletes and coaches’
The IOC still has to consider a new qualification procedure for the athletes who can still qualify for the Games. As already known, the already qualified athletes keep their Olympic ticket.
“Hopefully the international federations that still have qualifications open will soon come up with qualification procedures and event dates,” says Van den Hoogenband. “Our athletes and coaches get started with new or adapted preparations. I hear and see a lot of willpower with them.”
Technical director Maurits Hendriks of NOC * NSF is also pleased that there is already clarity. “Especially for the athletes who can now plan again. A shift to spring would have been nice in terms of weather conditions, but we have been preparing for the heat for seven years now.”
Due to the postponement of the Games, the Paralympic Games are now held in Tokyo from August 24 to September 5, 16 days after the regular Games.
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