Water Polo Australia Statement: 2020 Olympic Games

Water Polo Australia (WPA) supports the decision made by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) to ask athletes and sports to prepare for the Tokyo Olympic Games to be held in the northern summer of 2021.

This followed 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.

In a statement released by the AOC today it says “The AOC believes our athletes now need to prioritise their own health and the health of those around them, and to be able to return to their families, in discussion with their National Federations.” Click here for the full statement.

Water Polo Australia CEO, Richard McInnes, welcomed the AOC’s decision in seeking to provide a degree of certainty and clarity in these very uncertain times. 

“It is clear to see the impact of COVID19 on our community. Our athletes and staff are part of the Australian and global community so we know we are not immune to it.  

“It was becoming increasingly difficult for our players and staff to focus on training and preparations.  We have always put the health and wellbeing of our athletes and staff first and will continue to do so,” said McInnes. 

“While the news that the 2020 Olympics is likely to be postponed will be hugely disappointing to the many who have prepared tirelessly, it will be of comfort to athletes to have certainty for the immediate future given the uncertain world we live in.

“What this means for our high performance programs between now and then we don't know yet, but we will regroup and work through plans for each of our programs.  

“We will also carefully look at how these changes impact each athlete and staff member as well as work closely with the AIS and AOC to provide appropriate support.

“Our program leaders will be speaking with all our athletes over the coming days and we look towards a revised date for the Tokyo Olympic Games,” he said.