Canada just announced they will not send any athletes to the Tokyo Olympics unless the Games are postponed.
In joint statements issued by the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee, the reason for the decision was made clear:
"This is not solely about athlete health -- it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games."
Canada is the first country to take this stance, but I suspect it won't be the last.
I understand the decision, and I think it's the right call.
But I can't imagine how an athlete who was supposed to compete in the upcoming games must feel right now, especially if this would have been their last chance to earn a spot on the podium.
Deciding not to participate surely wasn't an easy decision, and it probably won't be a popular decision for many athletes who have been dreaming of 2020 for years.
But it was clearly the right decision to make.
That's leadership.
- dp
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