(Reuters) - USA Swimming called for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to be postponed for a year on Friday, joining a chorus of growing international concern about the safety of the Games amid the coronavirus pandemic. The heavily decorated swimming program expressed its concerns in a letter to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who had earlier said athletes should continue their preparations for the Games. "We have watched our athletes’ worlds be turned upside down," USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey wrote. "The right and responsible thing to do is to prioritize everyone’s health and safety and appropriately recognize the toll this global pandemic is taking on athletic preparations." The coronavirus outbreak has infected over 250,000 people and killed more than 10,000, bringing global sport to a virtual standstill.

Source: International New York Times March 20, 2020 16:17 UTC