21 March 2020

Double Olympic champion Max Whitlock calls for patience on Tokyo Games decision

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Max Whitlock is confident a ruling will be made soon as to whether the Tokyo Games will go ahead, but has urged people not to rush the decision.

The 27 year-old, who became Olympic champion in both the floor exercise and pommel horse events at Rio 2016 as well as bronze in the all-around, is looking to repeat the feat in Japan this summer.

And while the Hertfordshire-born athlete admits it is not the best situation to be in ahead of the Games, the key for competitors is to remain professional.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "The decision will come but it just can't come right now. As athletes we have to be very patient.

"There's still a little bit of time. It might be in a month's time or two months' time but whenever it is, we'll know."

"As soon as you think it's not going ahead, that's all motivation gone in one instant for a lot of athletes."

Whitlock also revealed that he may have to train either in his garage or outside if his gym in Basildon, Essex is closed by the government in a big to prevent the spread of the virus.

Earlier this week, IAAF President Seb Coe had a similar message to people about the decision on the Olympics.

He said: "Let's not make a precipitous decision when we don't have to four months out. If you had to ease that date, you'd have to ease it. It is possible. Anything is possible."

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