IOC President Thomas Bach expects a clear majority of athletes who have already been vaccinated against Corona at the summer games in Tokyo. “We are confident that a large number of the participants who will live in the Olympic Village will be vaccinated,” said the head of the International Olympic Committee on Wednesday after the meeting of the IOC executive. The IOC continues to encourage all Olympic participants to be vaccinated if possible before traveling to Japan.
A number of National Olympic Committees have already announced that the respective teams will be vaccinated in time for the start of the games on July 23. “Others already are or have reached an agreement with their government for it,” added Bach. This is important “for their own security and that of the Japanese people”.
There is no compulsory vaccination for Olympic participants. That won't change so shortly before the games, Bach assured. The IOC must also accept that some athletes do not want to be vaccinated.
Because of the further worrying corona situation in Japan, doubts remain about the hosting of the summer games, which had been postponed by a year. The IOC and the organizers have ruled out a cancellation or renewed postponement. Tokyo is “still the best prepared Olympic host so far,” affirmed Bach.
