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Swimming star Ikee answers anti-Olympic messages

16 Comments

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"Myself and other athletes will accept what happens, whether the Olympics take place or not. And, of course, I will work my hardest if it goes forward. If it doesn't, I'll do my best for the next one."

That's about as good an attitude as an Olympic athlete can have under the circumstances.

Well said.

19 ( +23 / -4 )

She's right, she is not a real stakeholder who can exert influences on the big decision. Her sms response style is also polite, prudent and sincere. Please leave her in peace.

No she is exactly the type of person needed to call out the mess going on.

She has been privileged to have a special bubble around her, now in another special bubble.

All the while I have friends undergoing cancer treatment or recovering from cancer that are confined to home because it is far to dangerous for them to go out.

They do not have any special bubble around them.

The privileged again not seen what others in their same situation are dealing with.

15 ( +21 / -6 )

"Even if you want me to oppose holding the Olympics, nothing I say will change anything," she said.

That is not why people are asking her to make a declaration, she is in a very special situation so people are really interested in what is what she prioritizes more. Does she think holding the games is a valid reason to increase the risk for those for whom the COVID infection means getting serious complications or even death?

Still, even if she was against the games there is no way to say it, athletes are being held hostage by organizations of the sport they belong, one wrong word now and she would never be allowed to compete again.

12 ( +18 / -6 )

"Even if you want me to oppose holding the Olympics, nothing I say will change anything," she said.

She's right, she is not a real stakeholder who can exert influences on the big decision. Her sms response style is also polite, prudent and sincere. Please leave her in peace.

11 ( +18 / -7 )

I wish you the best, Ikee.

You are a very strong person and take good care of yourself.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

She qualified only for what are weak relay teams. You can be the biggest supporter in the world, but do not kid yourself that cancelling the games would deprive her of any medals. The teams she is on aren't going to win any. There is only so much fervour to go around, and it should not all go on one person. Many competitors at the Olympics will have had personal struggles and up and downs in their careers. It is ignorant to think Ikee is the only one.

It has taken a while admittedly, but we are now seeing an increase in deaths from Covid in Japan. More and more people actually dieing from it. Isn't it time to start taking the pandemic seriously?

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Well said by Ikee. Nicely articulated and I have to agree with her that she needs to focus on her swimming and fighting her own cancer and not the politics.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

There really isn't anything to not like about Ikee San. A genuine, honest and good role model.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Ikee San has a position of responsibility. But she is too young and therefor should be excused of taking a strong stand here. It is correct that the swimming federation, JOC, her team and sponsors would surely punish her should she be too outspoken against the Games. Punishments meted out behind the scenes probably. Reducing grants and sponsorships. She goes as far as we can ask her to go under her circumstances and also her very recent, tough life threatening disease.

In general terms athletes should as a group speak out against the Olympics and demand a postponement. In the end the virus will make the Games in 2021 impossible anyway as we will see in the coming 2 weeks.

Ikee San earns respect from all and everyone and Japan should let her carry the flag in 2022 and Paris.

A girl born to be a legend to Japan and Japan needs them now.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I think it's nonsensical tweeting a swimmer to cancel the olympics. How about everyone tweets Suga?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

No she is exactly the type of person needed to call out the mess going on.

She has been privileged to have a special bubble around her, now in another special bubble.

All the while I have friends undergoing cancer treatment or recovering from cancer that are confined to home because it is far to dangerous for them to go out.

They do not have any special bubble around them.

The privileged again not seen what others in their same situation are dealing with.

ABSOLUTELY

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

Ikee san would be wise to NOT step into the conversation of whether the games should happen or not, if she continues posting about it she will risk backlash that up to now she doesnt deserve.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

If desperately searching for a perfect replacement, work in the agriculture for some days. Not becoming famous, no medals or interviews to win, but also very athletic work and honored with poor money but a rich harvest. The fresh air outside is also good for rehabilitation and contains less viruses than your swimming pools in the cities. Also very good for whole relay teams, then the daily work is done faster.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

YES, GET it OVER With, & Move On.

-12 ( +1 / -13 )

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