Olympics bosses in Ireland are more confident now that the Tokyo Games will happen in July 2021.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland held its AGM remotely online and there was plenty of optimism expressed that, following the Games' postponement from last July for 12 months, that Japan would be able to host the Games.
"High ranking members of the International Olympic Committee have, over the last five days, been particularly robust in their assertions that the Games will take place next year, although most likely in a slightly scaled back form," said OFI president Sarah Keane.
"And this adds further support to our belief at this juncture that the Olympic Games are more likely than not to take place in Tokyo next year."
In his address to delegates, Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy backed up Keane's view.
“It's really good news in terms of the noises they are making around the Olympic Games next year," said Treacy.
"It would give all of us a lift, it would give our athletes a lift. We'd hate to see an athlete's career cycle miss an Olympic Games because it only comes around every four years and everyone needs an opportunity.
"We look forward to it happening.”
OFI chief executive Peter Sherrard confirmed that there were no further costs incurred during 2019 over the Rio tickets controversy. The association had already taken a €1.86 hit between 2016-18
“Against these costs we have over the past four years managed to secure reimbursement from our insurers of €462,000," added Sherrard, who reported that for the second year running the OFI had recovered a six-figure surplus.
"As we have always said, the final extent of these costs will only come fully clear once the legal proceedings in Brazil come to a full conclusion.
"We have no further updates in terms of when or how legal proceedings will take place.”
Meanwhile there was a unanimous vote in favour of a minimum of 40% women's representation on the OFI executive committee.
Keane pointed out that IOC chief Thomas Bach had recently called for a minimum of 30% women's representation on the board of national Olympic committees.
“We will definitely be leading, both here and abroad, in terms of gender equality and decision-making," she said.
