The shock announcements have placed further pressure on the IOC to push the Olympics back for at least one year.
Following an emergency meeting on Sunday, the IOC for the first time acknowledged postponing the Games – due to begin on July 24 – is a serious consideration.
IOC president Thomas Bach said the Olympics will not be cancelled, leaving a shift to Tokyo 2021 the most likely scenario.
Australia and Canada combined to strike the first blow towards that move on Monday, effectively leaving the IOC with no choice but to make their plans official in the coming days.
The Australian Olympic Committee has told its athletes to prepare for the Olympics to take place in 2021, while their Canadian counterparts will withdraw if the Games are not rescheduled.
“The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) says Australian athletes should prepare for a Tokyo Olympic Games in the northern summer of 2021, following the IOC’s announcement of a potential postponement of this year’s Games and changes in public health landscape in Australia and across the globe,” the AOC said in a statement.
“The AOC believes our athletes now need to prioritise their own health and of those around them, and to be able to return to the families, in discussion with their National Federations.
“The AOC held an Executive Board meeting via teleconference this morning and unanimously agreed that an Australian Team could not be assembled in the changing circumstances at home and abroad.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has already declared Australian Olympians will not be allowed to travel to Tokyo in July under the government’s current travel restrictions.
Australian Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman said the AOC felt compelled to act after gathering feedback from a number of athletes last week.
“It’s clear the Games can’t be held in July,” Chesterman said.
“Our athletes have been magnificent in their positive attitude to training and preparing, but the stress and uncertainty has been extremely challenging for them.
“They have also shouldered the burden of concern for their peers around the world.
“That has been a consistent message to me.
“While there will still be much to work out as a result of this change, the timing will allow athletes from around the world to properly prepare with the hope the coronavirus crisis will be under control.
“We are aware that for many such a postponement will present a range of new issues.
“But when the world does come together at the Tokyo Olympic Games they can be a true celebration of sport and humanity.”
