Liam Jegou, who will represent Ireland at the Olympics in canoeing, said the decision to postpone the Olympic Games was the right one and the focus should be on those who are fighting to keep people safe.
“We need to focus on our medical workers now more than ever. I think organising an event like the Olympics would put even more pressure on our health systems.”
Jegou, who is based in Pau in France, said that holding the Games this year would also not be fair, as countries are not at the same stage of fighting the virus and have different sets of restrictions. He has not been able to train because of strict rules in France.
“The decision makes sense. I was relieved to hear it.”
The C1 (Canadian canoe) paddler has taken this year off university and had been focused solely on preparations for Tokyo. However, he said he was using the time he has off the water to focus on other aspects of preparation. “For example, I am working on visualisation and on my core strength, balance. Plenty of things to work on.
“We need to focus on our health workers now. Sport is always going to be there.”
On the issue of how people should react to Covid-19, Jegou has a rule.
“Right now, if everyone acted as if they had the virus, it would change the way people think. Instead of trying not to catch it, act as if you have it.”
