Nine-time Olympic track and field champion Carl Lewis says he wants a delay of up to two years for the Tokyo Olympics but rejects any bid t...
Nine-time Olympic track and field champion Carl Lewis says he wants a delay of up to two years for the Tokyo Olympics but rejects any bid to cancel them outright.
The 58-year-old US athletics legend told Houston television station KRIV that he backs the calls for postponement by USA Track and Field and USA Swimming due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“The best part about that is they’re creating some solidarity in their message,” Lewis said. “I just think it’s really difficult for an athlete to prepare, to train, to keep their motivation if there’s complete uncertainty. That’s the hardest thing. Because it’s a health issue, it’s beyond everyone’s control. I think most athletes are accepting that.”
The Tokyo Olympics are set to start July 24 while US swim and athletics trials to determine the nation’s two largest delegations for the event are set for June.
Many athletes have struggled to continue training while being forced to stay home to avoid spreading the deadly virus.
“The athletes cannot prepare for an Olympic Games if they don’t have an Olympic Trials, if they don’t have competition,” Lewis said. “I think USATF, in this case, stepped up. I think they’re creating a voice that puts the athletes first and I...
