ATHLETES, governments and sporting bodies intensified calls to postpone the Olympic Games today, after organisers said that it may take as many as four weeks to reach a decision.

The International Olympic Committee issued a statement late on Sunday claiming that up to four weeks of discussion may be needed to assess “the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games, including the scenario of postponement.”

But today the Athletics Association — a track & field union led by Olympic athletes Christian Taylor and Emma Coburn — demanded a swift decision after warning that competitors are being asked to “risk their physical and mental health preparing for an Olympic Games in the middle of a pandemic that is crippling the world.”