Sky News understands ongoing discussions between the government and the British Olympic Association about obtaining the Covid-19 vaccine; IOC member Dick Pound is confident that the Olympics can still go on as long as athletes can get the vaccine in advance
By Martha Kelner, Sky News
Last updated: 06/01/21 9:14 am
The Olympics are expected to run a year to the day after they are due to start
Olympic athletes should be given a prime opportunity to receive coronavirus vaccines to save the Tokyo Games from being postponed, according to a prominent member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Sky News understands that talks are ongoing between the government and the British Olympic Association (BOA) about obtaining a Covid-19 vaccine for athletes before July, when the Olympics begin in Tokyo.
But British Olympic leaders want to insist this would not be at the expense of the elderly or vulnerable.
Dick Pound of Canada, the longest-serving member of the IOC, is confident that the Olympics can still go ahead with global participation as long as athletes can get the vaccine in advance.
He said Sky News: “In Canada where we could have 300 or 400 athletes – to get 300 or 400 vaccines out of several millions so that Canada can be represented at an international event of this image, character and level – I don’t think there would be any kind of public tour about that.
“It’s a decision for every country to make and people say they’re jumping the queue but I think that’s the most reasonable way for it to go. . “
Dick Pound is a senior member of the IOC
The IOC is currently considering ways to help vaccinate athletes in countries where an extensive summer vaccination program is unlikely.
Renewed concerns have been raised about whether the Tokyo Olympics, which begins on July 23 – just a calendar year longer than the original date – will be held.
Japan has largely controlled coronavirus but there have been a number of outbreaks in recent weeks with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga set to make a decision on Thursday on whether to implement a new emergency in capital, Tokyo.
BOA chief executive Andy Anson has said it would be a “financial nightmare” if the Games were postponed beyond March due to contracts with trading partners. But he is confident that this will not happen.
Anson said Sky News: “I tell athletes, ‘it goes on, you should train as hard as you can and be in the best shape to get out there and be like part of this remarkable celebration ‘.
“They have to accept that it is happening and every message is going to happen but we have to get through those difficult times first.”
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Anson said the BOA has spoken to the government about access to vaccines for athletes and supporters who come to the Games.
He said: “They will not have priority access now because I think everyone – athletes included – would agree that it is the people who need it most; frontline workers, the elderly, those with health issues and that is the first wave of vaccinations.
“Hopefully, in the late spring / summer, ahead of the Olympic Games, there will be a time when the athletes will be vaccinated.
“But we will do that when it is appropriate and when the government feels it is appropriate. With Sport UK and DCMS (Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) we are holding talks, but more about when the time is right. “
The IOC is making models for a number of possible scenarios for the Tokyo Games including that the Games will be held with international fans, with domestic fans alike. alone, or completely behind closed doors.
They have already announced changes, including restrictions on the athletes’ city which means athletes arrive on site five days before they expect to compete and have to leave. within 48 hours of their last incident.
Alice Dearing Britain says she would not have the vaccine if she did not endanger anyone else
For 23-year-old Alice Dearing, Britain’s premier open water swimmer, the next few months are all about stopping the noise and focusing on qualifying for her first Olympic Games.
“I’m just focusing on training,” she said. “In my mind the Games are 100 per cent going, I just want to make sure I’m on the starting line, so hopefully I deserve it and I really think the Games will organizers do everything they can to keep us safe. “
She said: “If a vaccine is available to us and you don’t endanger anyone else, I would have it.
“But it’s out of my hands. If I’m told it’s not available, that’s fine too. Things are more at risk even though that’s hard to admit because, for me, swimming is the thing the largest in the world. But the world doesn’t revolve around me. “