It was inevitable. The 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo will not be held as scheduled on July 24, which means Lolo Jones’ retirement can wait.
While every other major sports league across the globe suspended seasons amid the coronavirus pandemic, the IOC seemed to be operate in a state of denial — hoping that the Tokyo Olympics could go on as scheduled. But with Canada and Australia both pulling out of the Games, IOC member Dick Pound told USA TODAY Sports that the Olympics would be postponed — likely to be rescheduled for 2021.
This was a significant decision for every athlete involved as just training for these Olympics put their health at risk. And for Jones, who was trying to make a return to the Summer Olympics at 37 after competing in the Winter Games as a bobsledder, this meant a delay on those Olympic dreams.
She wasn’t too upset about that, though.
The Olympics getting postponed meant that Jones could finally take a break from training and enjoy some pizza. She also poked fun at her age compared to the other athletes come 2021 (she’ll turn 39 in August of next year).
But as Jones initially responded with some excellent jokes, she also made note that this was the only appropriate decision that the IOC could make.
It was the right thing to do, indeed.
