Olympics looking unlikely in 2020

Canada and Australia have announced they would not compete if the Olympics were held this year, meaning the events are likely to be pushed back until next year due to the spread of COVID-19.

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March 23, 2020 - 9:45 AM

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach delivers a statement on the COVID-19 situation during a meeting of the executive board at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne on March 3, 2020. Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images/TNS

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics are going to happen — but almost surely in 2021 rather than in four months as planned.

This became clear after the IOC on Sunday announced it was considering a postponement and would make a final decision within four weeks. Major Olympic nations like Canada and Australia have added pressure by saying they will not send teams if the games are staged this year.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach sent a letter to athletes explaining the decision, while also acknowledging the extended timeline might not be popular.

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