IOC urged to make quick Olympic decision as US backs postponement

Passers-by at Beijing's Olympic Park wear protective face masks as the coronavirus pandemic causes problems around the world [COURTESY]

The International Olympic Committee came under pressure to speed up its decision about postponing the Tokyo Games on Tuesday as athletes criticised the four-week deadline and the United States joined calls to delay the competition.

After Canada and Australia withdrew their teams, with the world hunkering down for the coronavirus pandemic, the US Olympic committee said the postponement was the best way forward.