STEPHEN WADE
AP Sports Writer
TOKYO (AP) — Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike spoke Thursday after the World Health Organization labeled the spreading virus a "pandemic," a decision almost certain to affect the Tokyo Olympics.
"I can't say there won't be an impact," she said. "But I believe cancellation is impossible."
The reality for Koike and Japanese organizers is that any decision to cancel or proceed with the July 24 opening rests ultimately with the Switzerland-based International Olympic Committee.
Last year, Koike vehemently opposed moving the Olympic marathon out of Tokyo to Sapporo. IOC President Thomas Bach supported the move, and he won.
The IOC and local organizers say the games will open as planned in 4 1/2 months. An irrevocable decision probably needs to be made by the en
