The Olympic Federation of Ireland has said it feels the Tokyo Games 2020 are “likely to be postponed” due to Covid19 and has begun a consultation process with national governing bodies, including Cycling Ireland.
The OFI says it is also contacting athletes on selection
long lists to make the Irish team for the Games, which includes top tier Irish
road and track cyclists.
In its contacts with the national governing bodies for
all sports, the OFI is looking for feedback on four issues:
- The current environment for their sport at elite level for those athletes tracking towards Tokyo
- Restrictions to the training environment for their elite athletes
- A general qualitative update on the current mood and any concerns that they have
- On the basis that the OFI feels that Games are likely to be postponed, what is their current position on halting training sessions temporarily at this point?
It will also contact athletes to gauge their concerns
about what it describes as “this unprecedented situation”.
All of the information and views gathered will then be
formed into feedback from Ireland to the International Olympic Council, which
appears to be on the cusp of postponing the Games.
Advertisement
OFI President Sarah Keane said the Irish organisation was
awaiting the results of deliberations within the IOC.
Related News
“However, we need to consider what’s right for our
athletes, coaches, federations and all involved in supporting the system in
Ireland at this time,” she said.
“This does include considering if our potential Olympians
can and/or should continue to engage in organised training for the foreseeable
future.
“This may go against the grain of what they are used to
doing day in day out, however at this time all options must be considered which
we will do in conjunction with our member federations, athletes, Sport Ireland
and other stakeholders.
“We can and are providing input into the IOC as the
ultimate decision making body for the 2020 Olympic Games. However, we can make
decisions in Ireland for the best of Team Ireland and all involved.”
Team Ireland Chef de Mission, Tricia Heberle said Irish
performance directors and athletes had “responded incredibly well” in the face
of the Covid19 pandemic.
“On the premise that Tokyo 2020 will be postponed, we now
need to get their input before taking next steps,” she said.
Ireland has qualified a total of 10 places at the Games for cyclists that can be filled by a total of seven riders; three cyclists filling four road places and four cyclists to fill six rider places in track events.
Topics
