Rebecca Adlington says the Tokyo 2020 Olympics should be cancelled

Rebecca Adlington believes the Tokyo 2020 Olympics should be cancelled for the sake of athletes’ health if the coronavirus outbreak worsens.

The double Olympic champion, 31, told MailOnline the well-being of those involved is of the ‘utmost importance’ and those participating in the Games will put their health above winning medals.

In an exclusive interview, swimmer Rebecca said: ‘It’s not just the athletes when it comes to the Olympics, it’s the volunteers, the spectators, there are so many people involved. We all have to be careful.’ 

Rebecca, who won two gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in the 400 and 800-metre freestyles, continued: ‘The most important thing is the health and well-being of everyone. 

‘The health of the athletes is of the upmost importance. They will be looking at this from the point of being a human being, not just an athlete. Everyone will have to take the help and advice of the World’s Health Organisation.

‘I feel sorry for anyone that is affected by coronavirus. At the moment it’s changing every day. 

‘But from a swimming perspective, they’ve not even had their Olympic trials yet so they don’t actually know who’s on the Olympic team. They happen in April. 

‘The athletes are just continuing with their training and working hard. It’s in July and we’re only just in March, there’s a long way to go yet.’  

Rebecca went onto win two bronzes in the same events at London 2012 before announcing her retirement from professional swimming the following year age 23. 

Coronavirus has so far infected 90 people in the UK while more than 95,000 people have been diagnosed worldwide. 

The Olympics are due to be held from 24 July to 9 August in Tokyo, Japan, but the spread of the disease could mean the Games are cancelled.   

President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach said this week: ‘Following a very comprehensive discussion today, the executive board, the IOC, remains fully committed to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. 

‘I would like to encourage all the athletes to continue their preparation for the Olympic Tokyo Games 2020 with great confidence and full steam.’ 

The committee further explained that without an international travel ban and confirmation of a pandemic – the Games can and will go ahead. 

A string of other sporting events around the world have been thrown into question as the virus grips more than 80 countries.   

Events in France, Italy and Switzerland have been suspended including England’s Six Nations games against Italy in Rome on 14 and 15 March.  

Former Olympic star Rebecca is fronting a Smart Energy campaign that aims to encourage Brits to do more to reduce energy waste inside their homes. 

Speaking about her work with Smart Energy GB, Rebecca, who’s a mum to daughter Summer, four, said: ‘The campaign is all about smart meters, I’ve had one for a couple of years now. 

‘I got mine due to saving money on bills to be honest. When your energy use is really high it goes bright red. 

‘I didn’t realise changing my habits at home were contributing to the wider environment, updating our outdated energy system will help save a massive £650,000 million in energy waste. 

‘Seeing something visible in your home makes a massive difference. When energy is invisible it’s so hard to keep a monitor of. 

‘A smart meter is great because it helps reduce that in your help, which will essentially help the planet and help our children’s futures. It’s definitely something I’m passionate about.’