Kolohe Andino, of San Clemente, will have to wait to debut the sport at the Olympics, with the summer tournaments postponed for a year .( Photo by Michael Fernandez, Contributing Photographer)It was supposed to be surfing’s big debut, the chance for the world to see what riding motions is all about.
But with news that the 2020 Olympic Games are likely to be shelved, the athletic will probably have to wait another year before taking to the Olympic stage.
Greg Cruse, CEO of USA Surfing are stationed in San Clemente, responded to the news released Monday that coronavirus concerns are affecting prepare the way for the summer games.
” The health and safety of our athletes and staff members is our first priority. I continue to be in touch with our squad and have been on calls with USOPC every day ,” Cruse said, referring to the United Mood Olympic& Paralympic Committee.” I am proud of our athletes’ continued are concentrated on their athletic and great attitudes in the face of adversity. They are utterly ripping and ready to get back in t-shirts .”
The USA Surfing team had already been selected, with Orange County surfers expected to have a big presence at the game’s debut. San Clemente’s Kolohe Andino was announced as one of the USA men’s surfing team representatives, paired up with Hawaiian surfer John John Florence. On the women’s side, Caroline Marks, a Florida surfer who live in San Clemente, was parallelled up with Hawaii’s Carissa Moore for the team.
Huntington Beach’s Kanoa Igarashi was also slotted to compete, representing legion Japan, his family’s native country.
There are still about 10 channel-surf players discerns from other countries left to qualify for the summer competitions. They were supposed to be selected at the International Surfing Association World Surfing Games originally scheduled for El Salvador May 9-17. That tournament, for now, has been moved to June 5-14.
” We have reached out to the ISA is to make sure that our unit will maintain their qualification through the WSL CT 2019 ranks, should the games be postponed to July 2021 ,” Cruse said.” This is the fair and right road, ensuring the least disruption for the surfers .”
The ISA is still trying to sort out the implications of an extraordinary situation, Cruse said.
” We respect that these are difficult situations to steer and brand-new sand for everyone involved ,” he said.” Surfing offers immense tradition for abide present and focused on the variables we can control. These are necessary skills in this whole new world .”
One challenge athletes may face: the 4,000 -unit jocks hamlet made up of condos are already scheduled to be occupied by their new owners on Sept. 1, performing them unavailable for a brand-new schedule of time 2021.
” The IOC must also reviewed and considered the world sports calendar for at least 33 Olympic athletics ,” Cruse indicated.” These are just two of the many considerations being dealt with within the IOC and Tokyo Organizing Committee .”
But Cruse, who has expended much time in Japan in recent years as the sport was getting ready to make its debut, said if there’s one country that could re-organize and work out the logistics of a adjournment, it is Japan.
” They have been running through many different scenarios and logistical options ,” he said.” I think we will be impressed with relevant resolutions being worked out .”
Read more: ocregister.com.