Qualified athletes guaranteed spot at Olympics

ATHLETES who have qualified for the Olympics are guaranteed a spot in Tokyo despite the deferral of the Games to next year, according to an official.
Pacific Games Council athletes’ representative and Papua New Guinea swimming legend Ryan Pini said the deferral, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, would give athletes more time to prepare and qualify for the showpiece event.
“Any athlete who has already qualified will remain qualified,” he said.
“Scholarship holders will also have their assistance extended until next year.
“I want assure our athletes who are still taking in the news or finding it hard to motivate themselves that we are working with the International Olympic Committee and Oceania National Olympics Committee (ONOC).
“This is a difficult time and the wellbeing of athletes is crucial.
“For some, the news of the Olympic postponement is heartbreaking.
“For others, it is an extra year to train.”
Pini encouraged athletes to remain positive while adjusting to the “new normal”.
“My advice is to always have a purpose, a reason to do what you do, a reason for in any situation you come out of,” the Commonwealth Games gold medallist said.
“This gives you control of any situation.
“The PNG Olympic Committee and ONOC have been working on programmes to help athletes in their communities, showcasing their leadership through social media.”
So far, sailing siblings Teariki and Rose-Lee Numa are PNG’s only athletes to earn spots for the Tokyo Olympics.