Durham’s Olympic Hopefuls New dates for the Tokyo Olympic Games

Durham’s Olympic Hopefuls

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced new dates for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Due to a 12-month postponement instigated by the coronavirus pandemic, the Games will now start on 23 July 2021 and run until 8 August and will honour the name ‘Tokyo 2020’, although taking place a year later. Similarly, the Paralympic Games, have moved to new dates too: 24 August to 5 September 2021. Dave Goodchild, Durham’s Head Volleyball Coach, who was also the Assistant Coach to Team GB at the London 2012 Games said: “I think it is amazing the IOC have acted so quickly and provided a date for the event, so that everyone can rearrange their training plans and strategies, as well as letting the world know that this amazing event will still go ahead”. Among the athletes hoping to be included in the Games and representing Team GB are current Durham University students and alumni in various sports, including rowing, hockey, fencing and wheelchair fencing. Hockey-player Tess Howard, a current Geography student at Castle and a Tokyo 2020 hopeful, said: “These are unprecedented times for everyone, and postponing the Olympics is definitely the right decision. The IOC’s quick turnaround with new dates was really inspiring. It helps us to organise and refocus training – it’s the same dream, just a different date! “With more days to hand, there’s a huge opportunity for personal and team development and for GB Hockey to keep progressing – preparing to go for Gold in Tokyo. “I feel the Olympics can be one of the shining lights waiting for us after this period, but at the moment we are all committed to just safely getting through this together, with enormous gratitude for the frontline heroes to the fore.”

“It’s the same dream, just a different date!”

Angus Groom