Sports Stars Say "Won't Go to Tokyo"... Tokyo Olympics in Crisis
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] Due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), some sports stars have stated that they "will not participate in the Tokyo Olympics."
On the 3rd (local time), Dustin Johnson's manager David Winkle said in an email interview with golf media Golfweek, "Johnson will not participate in the Olympics and will focus on the PGA Tour FedEx Cup Playoffs."
Although Johnson and his manager did not directly mention COVID-19, it appears they decided not to participate considering concerns about its spread in the Asia region.
Sean White, known as the "Snowboard Emperor," stated in an interview with the AP News on the 2nd (local time), "I will not challenge the skateboarding event at this year's Tokyo Olympics."
Sean White had previously announced that after winning the gold medal in snowboarding (halfpipe) at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, he would challenge the summer Olympic event of skateboarding.
As world-renowned sports stars continue to declare their withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics, the Tokyo Organizing Committee and Prime Minister Abe have emphasized safety.
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On the 29th of last month, Prime Minister Abe said, "We will make thorough preparations in close coordination with the IOC, the organizing committee, and Tokyo to ensure a competition where athletes and spectators can feel safe."
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