Aquatic Sports Schedule Still Undecided for 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Photo Courtesy: The Japan Times

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The Tokyo 2020 organizing committees have been hard at work finalizing schedules for a total of 33 sports that will compete at the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but have not settled on a competition schedule for the swimming, diving, or artistic swimming events.

A report by Inside the Games explains that the delay in finalizing the schedule has stemmed from disagreements between broadcasters in the United States and Japan as to what time finals should occur. Television networks in the United States would prefer for finals to stream in the morning in Japan, which is a prime viewing time for American viewers, while Japanese broadcasters are insisting that the finals take place in the evening local time as swimming is one of the most popular sports in their home country.

Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori has admitted that there have been compromises made in scheduling each of the competitions and that International Olympic Committee (IOC) Chairman John Coates has been delegated to work with FINA and everyone involved to come to an agreement regarding the aquatics schedule.

Mori added,

“There are certain undecided points here and unresolved slots and the relevant parties will continue discussions so it can be finalized eventually. Further coordination is needed…We have to rack our brains and come up with better ideas.”

Despite the hiccups in the three aquatics program schedule, the remaining 30 sports have competition schedules set. The open water events are scheduled to take place on August 5th and 6th of 2020, while the water polo competition will begin on July 25th and host the gold medal matches on August 8th and 9th.

The Games are set to begin on July 24th and conclude on August 9th.

Read the full report from Inside the Games here.

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