Atkinson wary of vaccine by force

Olympian Alia Atkinson says that she anticipates obstacles for athletes getting access to the COVID-19 vaccine should it be a requirement to participate in the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

Despite declarations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of their commitment to host the Games this July, there is still a level of uncertainty regarding the country’s chances as Tokyo and its surrounding provinces remain under a state of emergency until February 7. The IOC recently urged athletes to take the vaccine ahead of the Olympics, once it is available, although emphasising that they should not be ahead of vulnerable groups that would be first in line.

Atkinson told the International Swimming League (ISL) podcast last month that should the measure be mandatory, athletes may need assistance to acquire the vaccine as countries may face logistical and financial hurdles.

“I know that a lot of the other countries are going to have problems and issues with just availability and pricing and being able to afford the vaccination,” Atkinson said. “So, I am not sure if the IOC is going to step in, or the World Health Organisation or whoever, to make sure that everyone at the Olympics is vaccinated, but it would be a good stepping stone to know that at least everyone in the Olympic village is.”

VACCINATION

While the IOC said that vaccination is not a requirement to participate in Tokyo, Atkinson said that National Olympic Committees could make it mandatory for safety reasons.

“I don’t think a federation will allow an athlete who is not vaccinated to be a part of their team because you are now putting everyone on the team in jeopardy,” she said. “I think if Jamaica requires it, that’s where it starts or stops,” Atkinson said. “But I will talk to my federation and see what’s going on.”

Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda told The Gleaner last month that the body would vaccinate its athletes if it was a requirement to participate.

Atkinson has credited the ISL for bringing swimming to a more professional standard while speaking on the podcast. She completed her second season in the league with the London Roar in November and helped them qualify for back-to-back finals. Atkinson said that having financial support guaranteed is a step in the right direction, compared to before, when she had to pay her way to participate in meets.

“When [the] ISL came along, it was more of, ‘You are getting paid to be here’,” she said. “You don’t have to pay your way and swim all of these events just to try and make a dollar. It changes what you are as an athlete. It changes that professional feeling. You’re worth something in a sense.”

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com