Shortly after Prime Minister Trudeau announced in a press conference that Canada would not be sending athletes to the 2020 Tokyo games the International Olympic Committee released a statement delaying the games a year due to the Coronavirus.
The IOC has said that the new date of the games will be exactly one year later on July 24 to Aug. 9, 2021.
The announcement was met with heartbreak but pride from Canadian athletes. Canadian Women’s hockey icon Hailey Wickenheiser tweeted this following the announcement:
Local boxer Mandy Bujold was another Canadian athlete who was preparing to go and compete for the Tokyo games in the summer.
“It was a bold move from the Canadian Team but the right move and one that needed to be done,” said Bujold via e-mail.
The IOC has stated that everyone who has qualified for the 2020 games will automatically be in the 2021 games.
“With the Games being postponed this will allow athletes to relax and adhere to the recommendations from health officials by staying home to protect their communities,” said Bujold.
As the world continues its fight throw the crisis communities will get through it and enjoy the games when they come and it’s safe for everyone to enjoy them fully.
“For now all we can do is focus on our health and try and maintain a level of fitness throughout these uncertain times,” said Bujold.
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