Tokyo Governor Koike Gives Up On IOC's Sapporo Edict: "Tokyo Does Not Agree With IOC's Decree But Chooses Not to Interfere"
IOC coordination commission chairperson John Coates decreed, "Regarding the marathons and race walk events, it is the IOC that has the authority to determine whether an event venue will be changed. Taking into consideration the expenses already incurred by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and local organizing committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will not be asked to pay for any additional expenses. There will be no further venue changes."
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike replied somewhat antagonistically, "Am I allowed to speak on this, sir, or am I only allowed to say yes or no?" Coates elevated the tension, responding, "We have already reached a decision yesterday. This is not something I intend to discuss here point by point." Governor Koike stated sternly, "Our belief that Tokyo is the best option remains unchanged. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government does not agree with the judgment that the IOC has handed down, but as they are the final decision-making authority, it is the decision of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government not to take action to interfere." Showing her lingering opposition, Governor Koike alluded to the Brexit mess, echoing its 'no-deal withdrawal' language as she said, "If I may dare to say so, this is a no-deal decision."
Tokyo Olympics organizing committee head Yoshiro Mori indicated the committee's acceptance of the move, saying, "The Tokyo Metropolitan Government worked very hard to convey the four points of their concern about this issue. I wish to acknowledge the hard work they put in. The phrase just used may be applicable to the European situation, but I am not sure it is appropriate here." Seated in front of him, Koike remained stone-faced.
Coates responded, "Thank you for accepting IOC president Thomas Bach's decree. The president has head that the governor and people of Tokyo are very disappointed by the IOC's proclamation. He wishes to remind you all that the health and well-being of the athletes is our top priority, and that is why this decision was made. It had to be done quickly for the sake of the athletes. He also sends his thanks to you all for your hard work on the preparations needed to make it happen."
Mori commented, "To be honest, I think it is a good outcome. When I first heard the news I was thunderstruck and thought it was going to put the relationship between the IOC and Tokyo on shaky ground. But if you look at the weather conditions in Japan this year there's no way of knowing what might happen. Given those circumstances I can understand why the IOC would make such a decree. This has been a very difficult time for Governor Koike and I would like to express my deepest respect to her for making the hard choice."
JOC chairperson Yasuhiro Yamashita stated, "We will consider the outcome of this decision from an athlete first standpoint. We will do everything possible to make a Sapporo staging successful. We need to listen to the athletes' point of view in making decisions about the courses and start times as quickly as possible. And we must consider what we can do for all the deeply disappointed citizens of Tokyo." One proposal from Bach was to stage a 'celebration marathon' on the now to be unused Tokyo course following the end of the Olympics.
Olympic and Paralympic Games minister Seiko Hashimoto expressed the national government's intention to cooperate with the IOC's edict, saying, "I wish to express my sincere respect and thanks for the work everyone has put in on very short notice to deal with the major issues this decision has created. The national government is determined to accept these new circumstances and will do its best to assist."
Coates ended the talks saying, "We will move on to the next step, discussing the courses and costs involved. We thank you all in advance for your cooperation and look forward to being on the same team as we continue to work toward a successful Olympic Games."
Residents of Sapporo were delighted by the news, saying, "It's really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Olympics in person, right before our eyes!" But those in positions of authority were very conscious of the high-speed work that is going to be necessary to organize Olympic events on less than nine months' notice. On the afternoon of Nov. 1, Sapporo mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto and Hokkaido governor Harumi Takahashi met to discuss how to move forward.
A member of the Sapporo City Government expressed their concerns, saying, "Sapporo was already a host city for Tokyo Olympics soccer, so we have elements like a volunteer base in place. But what kind of additional issues need to be addressed if the marathons and race walks are held on our public roads? We also need to be conscious of the financial burden this might place upon the city." Out for a walk in Sapporo's Odori Park, local resident Koya Kawasaki commented, "As a native of Hokkaido I'd like to welcome the world to Sapporo, but I think the athletes have already been training for the Tokyo course and so I also feel sorry that this has happened."
source articles:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20191101/k10012160281000.html
https://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20191101/oly19110112580005-n1.html
https://newstf.x-day.tokyo/?p=11637
translated and edited by Brett Larner
Comments