In the first days after the devastating earthquake/tsunami/nuclear crisis that has paralyzed Japan, the International Gymnastics Federation was positive about keeping the World Championships in Tokyo this fall.
They sound less sure now. Below is the text of a press release the FIG issued this morning regarding preparations for the most important World Championships of the quad. The headline -- The FIG will reevaluate the situation at the end of May -- says it all:
LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 31, 2011: The FIG and the gymnastics family worldwide are aware of the difficult and critical situation in Japan. All of them have expressed their deepest sympathy with the Japanese Friends as well as the whole country.
Today, the consequences of the nuclear catastrophy are still unknown and there is a worldwide anxiety and concern. President Hidenori Futagi and the Japanese Federation have communicated their willingness to continue as planned the preparations and the running of these World Championships, which will take place October 7 - 16, 2011.
The FIG is sending its Directives and Appendices to all its affiliated federations, with the sincere hope that the World Championships can be held as foreseen without taking any risk for the health of the participants.
The FIG - in close cooperation with the Japan Gymnastics Association - shall follow the development of the nuclear catastrophe closely and shall reevaluate the situation by the end of May.
Japan last hosted a World Championships in 1995 in Sabae. It sounds very much like the Japanese would like to host Worlds -- in an interview with International Gymnast Magazine earlier this week, the great Mitsuo Tsukahara said this:
"There are still many things you may be concerned about in the Tōhoku area, which has been devastated by earthquakes and tsunami, but in Tokyo there are no problems to hold the world championships..."By the time the 2011 World Championships are held, I'm sure you'll be able to fully enjoy the competition and beautiful autumn season of Tokyo safely."
Update: International Gymnast Magazine reports that if Worlds are moved from Tokyo, Moscow would be happy to host. The city has also received the World Figure Skating Championships, which were supposed to take place in March in Tokyo. And having Worlds in Russia would certainly improve the Russian team's chances to dominate in 2011 the way they did in 2010.
Your take: Should the 2011 World Championships remain in Tokyo, or should an alternate location be selected? Please leave a comment below with your thoughts.
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