No need to rush Tokyo Olympic decision say US as splits emerge

US Olympic chiefs said more time was needed to determine the fate of the Tokyo Olympics as a major US sports federation called for the Games to be postponed over the coronavirus pandemic.

In a conference call with reporters, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) chairwoman Susanne Lyons said there was no need for the International Olympic Committee to make an immediate decision on Tokyo.

"I think we would concur with the IOC to say that we need more expert advice and information than we have today to make a decision," Lyons said on Friday.

"And we don't have to make a decision. Our games are not next week, or two weeks from now. They're four months from now.

"So we are affording the IOC the opportunity to gather that information and expert advice.

"At this point in time, we do not feel that it's necessary for us to insist that they make a decision."
- Lives 'upside down' -
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"It's forcing them to try to do things that are contrary to our national goal right now."
"Postpone so they can #ShelterAtHome w/o worrying about losing fitness to competitors!
"You are losing any credibility that you care about the wellness of athletes! Athletes over money please!"
"At the same time, and as it relates to the Games, we have also heard from athletes that they want the Olympic and Paralympic community to be very intentional about the path forward - and to ensure that we aren't prematurely taking away any athletes' opportunity to compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games until we have better clarity."
"There are athletes out there for whom this feels like their only opportunity, their last chance. I don't think we're in a position where all athletes have a unanimous point of view."
She said additional mental health resources were being made available to athletes as they grapple with "significant anxiety."