Austria's Olympic team competes in front of empty grandstands
On Thursday, Tokyo decided that the Olympic Games would be played without fans. The ÖOC regrets the decision.
“Of course we hoped to the end that the games would be staged with spectators. But the decision of the Japanese government must be respected 100 percent. The organizer must also be responsible for this decision,” said ÖOC President Karl Stoss.
Secretary General Peter Mennel says: “First and foremost, we are relieved that the games can be played despite the pandemic and that our athletes will not be deprived of their Olympic chance. The TV pictures will certainly be spectacular. By extending the state of emergency in Tokyo and the now pronounced ban on spectators for all competitions should guarantee the safety of our Olympic participants. Therefore, the decision is understandable and ultimately also to be supported.
Discus thrower Lukas Weißhaidinger takes note of the decision: “To be honest, this news no longer surprises me. The postponement a year ago hit me more. I was disoriented for a few weeks.”
“Starting tomorrow, I won't think about spectators for a minute. The subject is over for me. I'm concentrating on the remaining training days and want to fight for victory and medals at the end of July. This goal has priority for me,” said Weißhaidinger.
