Covid put many things on the back burner throughout the last year, which may possibly now include the summer Olympics of 2021. Originally postponed from the summer of 2020, Japan has now spent millions and it may all be for nothing. Recently at the end of January, it was rumored that the games could be canceled due to the rapid rise in Covid cases around the world. However, the International Olympic Committee, the IOC, is determined to make the games happen this summer. Several reports are contradicting, with the possibility of the games happening still up in the air. The question becomes; is the money and hard work of these athletes worth the health risk of millions. 

The Times released a report in mid-January, stating the “The Japanese government has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be canceled because of the coronavirus, and the focus is now on securing the Games for the city in the next available year, 2032.” However, IOC president Thomas Bach disputes this, calling them rumors, and states, “Everybody is really determined to make this Olympic Games in six months the light at the end of the tunnel we are all still in.” Statements from the IOC president can only be so comforting as Covid cases are still on the rise around the world. According to worldometer.info, there were 2,307 new cases on Feb. 6. A total of over 400,000 Covid cases have now been confirmed in Japan. Though the daily cases have gone down from January, new regulations have been added as of Feb. 5. Japan extends its State of Emergency for another three months and stricter travel restrictions have been instituted. But these regulations can only go so far, and safety will still be a huge concern for the Olympics in the summer. Many Japanese citizens are very scared for their health and safety with 77 percent of its population wanting it to be canceled or postponed. 

Opinions vary on if these games should go forward and who should make those decisions. Mr. Tatar, Pennridge football coach, states “We’ve seen college and professional athletes opt-out of their seasons, so for some, the risk may be too much, but ultimately that’s up to them.” His mentality gives the decision to the athletes as to what they would like to do. Dave Reice, a sports fanatic, adds to the possibility of the Olympics happening, stating “I think the Olympics needs to use the same protocols that many professional sports leagues have. A bubble environment has lots of evidence to work, and I think the Olympics could use that effectively.” Many people are wishing to watch the summer 2021 Olympics, while others are not so sure that the benefits outweigh the risks and find it to be irresponsible.