World Athletics President Sebastian Coe and Chief Executive Officer Jon Ridgeon visited the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo for the first time since it’s completion in December 2019.
Coe flew to Japan to inspect the track at the state-of-the-art facility and meet with Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee President MORI Yoshiro to discuss preparations for the postponed Olympic Games.
Speaking to the media, Coe said he is confident that the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 could be held safely next year.
“It was a great opportunity to come here and look at the Olympic stadium that athletics will be held, which will be home [of athletics] for next year.
“I am absolutely delighted that I was able to see first hand the progress and I am very excited about the prospect of athletics being here next year.”
The Olympic Stadium, which is situated in Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward, will host athletics and football as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.
“For the stadium itself, it’s sustainable and it’s beautifully designed and I think it will encourage the athletes to perform at the highest level.”
Coe has also reaffirmed support for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
“We are absolutely committed to work with the [Tokyo 2020] Organising Committee for the delivery of a fantastic Games,” Coe said.
“There may have to be some adaptations, there may have to be some differences, but I am absolutely convinced that even under those circumstances it will still be a fantastic Games. We will adapt and we will be supportive of the Organising Committee in anything that we need to do to make sure that athletics is centre stage in the Olympic Games.”
Meeting with Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee
Coe also visited Mori during a visit to the Tokyo 2020 headquarters.
“As President of World Athletics, I can tell you that the whole sport of athletics is very excited and expectation of being here for the Games next year.” Coe told Mori.
“As an International Federation we want to work along side you to resolve many of the challenges that you have in delivering a great Games.
“This has given me an opportunity to say to you face to face that we appreciate that you and the Organising Committee and the people of Japan to keep the Olympic Games front and centre.”
Coe told Mori that another team from World Athletics are also scheduled to visit Sapporo for an on-site visit.
Sapporo Odori Park will stage the race walking and marathon events next year.
Source: tokyo2020
