According to a report by the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK) on January 9, Pound, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said in an interview with the BBC that he was “not sure” that the Tokyo Olympic Games could be held as scheduled.
“While everyone avoids this, the rapid spread of the pandemic has become a problem,” Pound said.
Regarding the coronavirus vaccine, Pound pointed out that athletes should be given priority.
He also said that the International Olympic Committee and others may require athletes to complete vaccination before entering Japan.
Pound has been a member of the International Olympic Committee for more than 40 years, and is the longest-serving member of the committee.
When the epidemic spread rapidly in the first half of last year, he also expressed his cautious views on holding the Tokyo Olympic Games very early.
Regarding the Tokyo Olympic Games, after issuing an emergency declaration to Tokyo and the three surrounding counties on the 7th, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiro Suga said at a press conference that he would take strict epidemic prevention and control measures to strive to hold a safe and secure Olympic Games.
IOC President Bach also stressed that the Tokyo Olympics will be held as planned.
