The Japanese Olympic Committee invited sports organizations to participate in a web conference Thursday, and it appears to have been extremely successful. At the meeting, the head of each athletic group appeared on a monitor one after another. Some expressed serious concern, "we have nowhere for athletes to train." Others also worried that "sponsors may withdraw," and "some are concerned about the host nation's rights." After this meeting, a senior official of a sports organization said, "It is thankful that the JOC gave some kind advice."
About two weeks ago, many sports organizations complained about the JOC's lack of leadership, saying, "It should have listened to us more."
On March 27, shortly after a decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics was made, many sports organizations expressed their concerns at a similar web meeting. However, a JOC executive responded, "Then, shall we prepare a questionnaire?" A few days before the March meeting, a sports organization worried about confusion in the selection process asked the JOC for help, "Can you share your guidelines on the handling of prospective athletes?" Yasuhiro Yamashita, President of the JOC, sent a brisk reply, "I'll give you advice. But if you get involved in the selection process, you could get sued [by an athlete]."
Using the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics as an example, the JOC distanced itself from politics and became independent from the Japan Sports Association with the aim of becoming economically independent. However, time passed without the showing of a strong presence.
The JOC was also "out of the loop" over relocation of the venue for the Tokyo Olympics marathon and walking races. "I feel that the JOC couldn't make important decisions. Information is provided by press reports. I want it to take initiative as a governing body," one participant said.
"Only the JOC can speak from the viewpoint of athletes and sports associations. Executives should be aware that it still has a lot of power in terms of its ability to communicate." a former JOC executive said. "Mr. Yamashita is a person who values harmony. But I think there are times when he should show courage and say, 'You can be hated while protecting your athletes,'" said Akemi Masuda, a member of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics women's marathon team and current President of Japan Para Athletics.
At a web conference on Thursday, the JOC showed signs of change, sending a message that said, "as a governing body, it will work closely with relevant organizations."
This crucial moment could be a tough period for the JOC, whether it is truly prepared to bear the brunt of various concerns and fraught situations under the unprecedented postponement of the Olympics and current threat of the global pandemic.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
