Gary Bone says he and his family is "set to go" to Tokyo come July for the 2020 Olympic Games despite some concern over the spread of the coronavirus out of China.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bones - Gary and his wife Zelma - will travel to Japan in four months time to support their daughter Edwina, who is in line to play for the Hockeyroos at her second Olympics.
Although the Australian women's hockey side won't have a confirmed squad until six weeks prior to the games, Mr Bone said the family booked flights and accommodation about a year ago to ensure their attendance at Tokyo.
"We bit the bullet about 12 months ago," Mr Bone said.
"We're set to go. At this point in time we're like the athletes, we're still planning on going."
That decision may be taken out of the Bones' hands, though.
These things happen and you keep it in the back of your mind ... but we're thinking we'll go.
- Gary Bone
The Australia Olympic Committee has urged its athletes to stay calm and keep preparing for the Olympics amid concerns the coronavirus could cause the cancellation of the global sporting showpiece.
Canada's Dick Pound, a long-serving senior member of the International Olympic Committee, says if it's too dangerous to hold the Tokyo Games, they could be cancelled, with that decision potentially left as late as May. The Games are scheduled to start on July 24.
Mr Bone said he was keeping a close eye on the situation.
"Very much so. The latest we've heard is they can still make a decision in May. We're not going to get too concerned until a little bit closer to time," he added
"We're hoping for the best.
"Edwina and the girls are preparing as per normal. They're in the pro league at the moment and games against China have been abandoned, so they are already being impacted by it."
If the Games go ahead and Edwina wins her place in the Hockeyroos side, the 2020 event will be the second Olympics the Bones have attended.
They travelled to Brazil in 2016 for the Games at Rio and Mr Bone says that experience has them in good stead four years on.
Ahead of the 2016 Games Rio suffered an out-break of the Zika virus.
"These things happen and you keep it in the back of your mind. Although the Zika virus wasn't as contagious, there was still concern about it going into Rio ... a number of athletes pulled out of Rio due to the virus," Mr Bone added.
"The team isn't picked yet, and Edwina could trip over and injure herself tomorrow.
"But we're thinking we'll go."
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...
