Canadian athletes will not attend the 2020 Tokyo Olympics this summer unless the Games are postponed.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) issued joint statements Sunday saying they refuse to send their teams unless the events are pushed back by a year.

The COC says its main focus is to keep athletes healthy and safe but it is not the only factor in its decision. “This is not solely about athlete health – it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games,” said the committee.

The Olympics are slated to begin on July 24 with the Paralympics set to follow on Aug. 25.

Two-time Olympic trampoline champion Rosie MacLennan is a member of the COC’s athletes commission.

She spoke with The Canadian Press and said she knows how difficult it would be for Canadian athletes if the Games go ahead without them but the current health situation is paramount.

“I think it’s the responsible decision to make, even though it might be hard to feel we’re missing out on that opportunity, I know in my heart that it is one hundred per cent the right thing to do,” MacLennan said.

The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been criticized by many countries.

Over the weekend, the IOC president said they are considering alternative options but cancelling the Games entirely is not on the table.

The IOC is expected to make a decision in four weeks.