Forum Topic

2020 Olympics

If Tokyo cannot proceed due Coronavirus should we host the 2020 Olympics?

Nicholas Beard ● 2002d9 Comments

Bailey has already been criticised for this but from the same edition of the same paper.
"A spokesman for Mayor Sadiq Khan added: “Everyone is working towards what will be a fantastic Tokyo Games. In the unlikely event that it be required, London, as it has done throughout history, will do its best to step up to the plate.”"

N V Brooks ● 2000d

It's amazing what you can find out with a quick Google search. The suggestion that London could host the 2020 Olympics didn't come from Sadiq Khan, the London mayor. According to City A.M. (19 September) and The Independent (20 January) it is the would-be mayor, Conservative Shaun Bailey who is crying out for London to host, saying "“We have the infrastructure and the experience, and if I am elected I will make sure London is ready to host the biggest sporting celebration again, if we are called on in an hour of need.” Sounds all a bit gung ho to me. The mayoral election isn't until 7 May, the Tokyo Olympics are due to start on 25 July, 11 weeks later.

Sue Rowe ● 2000d

It is my understanding that there are several hotels in London. The lack of an atheletes village might be suboptimal, but it does not make things impossible.It seems impossible that Tokyo would cancel though - https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/02/21/sports/olympics/21reuters-china-health-tokyo-governor.html

Christopher Gillie ● 2000d

This what I wondered. However people speak as if its just a case of being asked and its ok.

Nicholas Beard ● 2000d

All structures are in place except one thing, athletes village. Where are they going to stay?

Neil Chippendale ● 2001d

That's the 'kiss of death' then if Khan wants to host it given his woeful record on delivering anything else with which he has been entrusted.

N V Brooks ● 2001d

I was due to run in the Tokyo Marathon next Sunday.  We were all told on Monday that the 40,000 of us non-elite runners would not be taking part. I’m now left £1,300 out of pocket. Because there’s now WHO warning about travelling to Japan neither the airline or my travel insurance are interested.This is a bad sign for the Olympics.

Paul Scullion ● 2001d

The mayor of London wants to host it.

Nicholas Beard ● 2001d

No chance since Brexit Nicky boy.

Keith Iddon ● 2002d