The ÖOC leadership duo Karl Stoss and Peter Mennel (from right) / archive picture
100 days before the planned opening of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, not only the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is fully prepared for the implementation of the major event, but also the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC). The corona crisis should therefore not be an obstacle to the world's largest sports event, but an important sign for coping with the pandemic. The ÖOC's top-level planning for the games is therefore in full swing.
“First and foremost, it is important for our athletes who have geared their lives towards it,” said ÖOC President Karl Stoss in favor of hosting the Games on Wednesday at a press conference in Vienna. “You have endured endless efforts and hardships. That is why I believe that it is very important for us that we develop this hope further. This hope should be a sign as a light on the horizon, also for society.”
The sport should send a signal, Stoss is not confused by surveys carried out from Japan. Accordingly, because of Corona, around 70 percent of Japan's population are in favor of canceling or postponing the games. “Postponement is not even an option, there is only implementation or cancellation. There is no alternative in between,” emphasized the Vorarlberg native. Of course, Japan's vaccination strategy is the main topic of the surveys, not the question of a rejection.
Stoss made it clear how important the games from July 23rd to August 8th are not only for the active players and what effects a cancellation would have. “They are also very important for the national Olympic committees and the international sports associations. 90 percent of the IOC's income flows back.” The money is urgently needed for various ÖOC tasks such as deliveries. Stoss: “If we didn't have this income, there would be a bigger financial hole for us too.”
Of course, the postponement of the games from last year to this year and the corona situation have already hit many. “We are currently doing everything possible to support the athletes in their preparation under these general conditions as they are given, so that they can then call up their performance in the competition and in the X hour. We are convinced that those who to cope with the best, to be most successful there “, explained ÖOC Secretary General Peter Mennel.
Previous knowledge of competition venues and climatic conditions also helps, but many test competitions in Japan do not take place due to Corona. “We support the professional associations there,” revealed Mennel. “We are in the process of trying with a prefecture with the international rowing federation to create training opportunities. And we are looking for the opportunity to find training opportunities in Korea or Taiwan with similar climatic conditions.”
The Vorarlberger confirmed that there are currently 40 ÖOC quota places, in many sports there are active participants in qualifications that are still in progress on safe Tokyo places. It is expected that the average of around 70 ÖOC athletes at summer games will be reached. In addition, plans for Beijing 2022 in February have long been underway. A boycott of the Winter Games for political reasons, which is discussed in some places, is not an issue for the ÖOC, said Mennel.
