About a week after the 2020 Olympics were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the International Olympic Committee has set new dates for 2021.
The Summer Games will start with opening ceremonies on Friday, July 23, and conclude Sunday, August 8.
From an IOC release sent Monday:
“These new dates give the health authorities and all involved in the organization of the Games the maximum time to deal with the constantly changing landscape and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
IOC president Thomas Bach said last week that all athletes who have already qualified for the Summer Games will remain qualified for 2021. Per Bach, about 43% of the qualifying spots are still up for grabs.
The global event will still be formally referred to as the Tokyo 2020 Games.
