Article

Abstract

Whatever else happens between now and August 8, 2021,1 the Tokyo Olympics will be remembered historically as the first postponed Games.2 Of course, lots can happen in the interim, and, as I write in September 2020, nobody knows the answer to the following questions: Will COVID-19 be brought sufficiently under control either by a vaccine or sound public health policy to allow the Games to proceed in July 2021? If they are held, will fans be allowed to attend the athletic competitions? If fans are allowed, will they feel sufficiently comfortable and be financially able to attend? How will the 16,000 athletes, coaches, and trainers at the Olympic Village be kept socially distant and safe? How much extra will the Tokyo Organizing Committee (TOCOG), the Tokyo municipal government and the national government have to spend to host the Games, and how much revenue from decreased ticket sales and sponsorship income will they lose?