The World Athletics announced this change today. The response has been quick and with some vitriol. Well meaning, not sure if WA can appreciate what the coronarvirus means to the athletes.
Tokyo Olympic stadium, photo by South China News
Qualification period for Tokyo suspended
MONACO (MON): World Athletics has announced the qualification period for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is suspended effective from 6 April 2020 until 30 November 2020 included, following consultation with its Athletes’ Commission, Area Presidents and Council. During this period, results achieved at any competition will not be considered for Tokyo 2020 entry standards or world rankings although they will still be recorded for statistical purposes, also World records will be possible. “I am grateful for the detailed work and feedback from our Athletes’ Commission and Council who believe suspending Olympic qualification during this period gives more certainty for athlete planning and preparation and is the best way to address fairness in what is expected to be the uneven delivery of competition opportunities across the globe for athletes given the challenges of international travel and government border restrictions,” said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. The qualification deadline for the marathon and 50km race walk is 31 May 2021 and 29 June 2021 for all other events.
