Tokyo 2020 to be rescheduled to no later than summer 2021

Tokyo 2020 to be rescheduled to no later than summer 2021

The Tokyo Olympics were postponed on Tuesday to 2021, the first such delay in the Games' 124-year modern history, as the coronavirus crisis wrecked the last international sporting showpiece still standing this year.

Adam Reed reports.

After weeks of constant pressure and speculation, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the organizers of the Tokyo 2020 games agreed Tuesday (March 24) that this summer's Olympics and Paralympics would be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s the first time in the 124-year history of the modern Olympics that the Games haven’t taken placed as scheduled, but after nations began withdrawing participation as the disease continues to spread, the IOC has finally taken action.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the announcement after a phone call with IOC President Thomas Bach, saying he wanted athletes to be able to compete in the best environment and also for the Games to be safe and worry-free for spectators.

Though a huge blow to Japan, which invested $12 billion dollars over much of the last decade, Abe has promised that the Olympics and Paralympics will be completed by the summer of 2021 at the latest.

The sporting calendar for this year has been decimated by the coronavirus, with the Olympics now amongst the biggest casualties.

Prime Minister Abe was clear that when the Games finally do take place, they’ll serve as proof the virus is beaten.