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2020 Olympics: A last minute cancellation is not off the table

There is a possibility that the Olympics this year may still be cancelled due to rising cases that are tied to the games.

By Albert Lee
Tokyo Olympic Village
The Tokyo Olympics is still scheduled to go on, but you never know if a last minute cancellation happens.
Photo by Fu Tian/China News Service via Getty Images

The 2020 Olympics are scheduled to begin this Friday. The USA Basketball men’s and women’s national teams and the women’s 5x5 team are traveling there a few days early to get through jet lag and make last minute preparations before their games begin. And don’t be surprised if the games never happen, even if we have come this far.

According to Reuters, Tokyo Olympics chief Toshiro Muto has not ruled out a cancellation of the games. Part of the reason why is because of rising case numbers in Japan and within the delegation of athletes themselves. There are nearly 70 cases that are directly tied to the Games.

Even if the games aren’t cancelled, it is possible that some games may be forfeited or cancelled in team sports due to the lack of available players. The Reuters article noted that South Africa’s men’s soccer team may not be able to field a full team for Thursday, when their first game will be held.

I still think the Olympics are happening at this point, but I certainly believe that there may be some games and contests that are cancelled due to coronavirus infections. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see a cancellation either. How would you feel if the Games are cancelled at the last minute? Let us know in the comments below.