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HEALTH-VIRUS-OLY-2020-SWIM-FRA-POSTPONE
French swim federation joins US counterpart in Olympics delay call
PARIS, March 21, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – France’s swimming federation on Saturday
joined its US counterpart in calling for the Tokyo Olympics to be postponed
because of the coronavirus pandemic, adding to pressure on the IOC.
“The current context does not allow the 2020 Olympic Games to be organised
properly,” the federation said after a videoconference of its executive
committee.
The federation called for the International Olympic Committee to “study the
possibility of a postponement”.
It said measures restricting the movement of people in many countries,
including France, “mean that sporting fairness cannot be guaranteed in terms
of preparation for this competition”.
The call followed that of USA Swimming which on Friday urged the US Olympic
and Paralympic Committee to back a postponement.
“We urge the USOPC, as a leader within the Olympic Movement, to use its
voice and speak up for the athletes,” USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey said in a
letter.
IOC President Thomas Bach insisted this week it was “premature” to consider
postponing the Tokyo Games, which are scheduled to start on July 24.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1758 hrs