By Alex Tang
Due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been searching for alternate venues that could house smaller groups of people. The 2020 Summer Olympics Games were originally scheduled to take place in Tokyo.
“The COVID-19 outbreak poses a danger to our athletes, coaches, and spectators alike,” Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, said.
In particular, the track and field events, which have been a mainstay in the games for more than a century, have been in urgent need of a new location.
“After weeks of searching the world, we have decided on a world-class venue at the Lexington High School Field House in Massachusetts, USA,” Bach said.
Many of Bach’s counterparts in the field support the decision.
“The IOC has made an excellent choice and through our assessments, the LHS Field House will be able to support the sub-150 number of athletes and spectators,” Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, said.
The field house, with six newly renovated 200m lanes, has space and capacity for around 200 people, including 100 athletes. Coupled with immaculate and secure locker rooms, it is no surprise the field house will serve as an excellent facility for the 2020 Olympic Track and Field Events.
Some athletes, however, have expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of using the field house for some events.
“Many top javelin throwers average about 85 or more meters per throw, and after a quick visit, it seems that the field house is no longer than 60,” Thomas Röhler, 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the javelin event, said.
Regardless, most athletes are excited about the opportunity to run in such a modern facility. Among them is Leonidas of Rhodes, a twelve-time victor in the stadion, diaulos, and hoplitodromos for four consecutive Olympic games.
“I, as a champion who runs in bare feet and in outdoor fields, believe the field house is a beautiful place in which the world can see my true prowess on the track,” Leonidas said in his native Ancient Greek.
The Olympic Committee has already directed crews to prepare the facility for the games.
Leon Man, head of the construction team, has lots of work ahead of him to beautify the field house for the Opening Ceremony. Working around the clock, Man is a one-man team with an occasional helping hand from students who are skipping class.
“Although the track itself has gotten a recent paintover, there are some strange nets along the windows, and I’ve had to remove them,” Man said.
The Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony will commence on Jul. 24.
This article was a part of Issue 5 of the Musket, or the April Fools issue, and this article was satirical, so none of the information in this article, or in this entire issue is true.
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