IOC looking at postponing Tokyo Olympics; Canada pulls out

The IOC will take up to four weeks to consider postponing the Tokyo Olympics amid mounting criticism of its handling of the coronavirus crisis that now includes Canada saying it won't send a team to the games this year and the leader of track and field, the biggest sport at the games, also calling for a delay.

The IOC is planning meetings with Japanese public authorities, global sports officials, broadcasters and sponsors that will deal with scenario planning for the Olympics, which are scheduled to start July 24. Canceling the games is not under consideration.

IOC President Thomas Bach sent a letter to athletes explaining the decision and why it might take so long, while also acknowledging the extended timeline might not be popular.

"I know that this unprecedented situation leaves many of your questions open," he wrote.

"I also know that this rational approach may not be in line with the emotions many of you have to go through."
But only hours after the announcement, World Athletics President Seb Coe sent a letter to Bach saying that holding the Olympics in July "is neither feasible nor desirable."
The IOC said the scenarios under consideration "relate to modifying existing operational plans for the Games to go ahead on July 24, 2020, and also for changes to the start date of the Games."
"This led the (board) to the conclusion that the IOC needs to take the next step in its scenario-planning."