Tokyo 2021 Olympics could be in doubt due to coronavirus pandemic

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been pushed back to 2021, but now that is even in doubt.

Japan initially believed they slowed the spread of the coronavirus, but Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued an emergency declaration this week putting the country under more serious restrictions. 

“I don’t think anyone would be able to say if it is going to be possible to get it under control by next July or not,” Tokyo organizing committee CEO Toshiro Muto said, according to Sports Illustrated. ”We’re certainly are not in a position to give you a clear answer.”

At the moment, the Olympics are set to get underway July 23, 2021, which is extremely far in the future at this point. But if something isn't done to stop the spread of COVID-19, then we'll likely have to wait another year to see the world's best athletes compete on the highest stage.

Muto noted that there are no backup plans if the Olympics are, once again, postponed. Instead, he wants to focus on doing everything he can to help find a vaccine and prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

Japan has reported 5,000 cases of the virus, and the country has the world's largest population of senior citizens so they're taking extra precautions. 

If the Olympics get pushed back another year, it's more than likely the NHL, NBA, MLS, MLB and NFL also will take extra precautions.
If that's the case, sports fans are in for a brutal year.