Sporting Figures Mourn Death of Former Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe
The sporting community has expressed its condolences after the assassination of former Japanese prime minster Shinzo Abe on Friday.
Abe was assassinated Friday while speaking at an event in Japan. He led his country for nearly eight years, including most of the preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
IOC president Thomas Bach released the following statement:
“Japan has lost a great statesman, and the IOC has lost a valiant supporter and a dear friend of the Olympic Movement. On behalf of the International Olympic Committee, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his family, his friends and the Japanese people.
“Abe Shinzo was a man with a vision, full of determination and boundless energy to make his vision come true. What I appreciated most about him was that he was a man of his word.
“Only his vision, determination and dependability allowed us to take the unprecedented decision to postpone the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Without Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, these Olympic Games would never have happened, and the Olympic dream of athletes from all around the world would not have come true. He also wanted to be with us at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, to show his commitment to the Olympic Movement and the trustful partnership and friendship which developed over time.”
“The entire Olympic Movement and I owe him all our respect and gratitude. This is why we will forever hold Abe Shinzo in great honour.”
Abe served as the prime minister of Japan from December 2012 to September 2020, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister. He was instrumental in organizing the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which were awarded to the city on Sept. 7, 2013. He also was at the helm of the host country in the spring of 2020 when the unprecedented decision was made to postpone the Games by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The news came in all of a sudden and the Japanese are so confused about the situation,” said Tatsuo Ogura, the project director of international communications for the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee. “Such a tragedy and huge loss for our country and our sports community as well. Japan is still one of the safest countries, but the (assassination) took a life in this way. This is unforgivable. I express my condolences to him and his family.”
Abe, 67, was shot while speaking at a campaign event in Nara. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital but never regained consciousness. A suspect was arrested at the scene.