PIERS MORGAN claims that no one is really interested in the Tokyo Olympics and says it should've been postponed given Japan's deteriorating handle on the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also took a controversial swipe at athletes who celebrate coming second or third, arguing that "true champions" don't see a Silver or Bronze medal as an achievement.
"Nobody cares about these covid-ravaged Olympics. I feel incredibly sorry for all the athletes still trying to live their Olympic dream, but that is the harsh reality... It should have been either further postponed or cancelled," Piers tweeted, pointing to the Games' tumbling TV ratings as evidence for its declining popularity.
His tweets sparked a heated online backlash as dozens of social media users chimed in to blast the former Good Morning Britain host's views.
Nobody cares about these covid-ravaged Olympics. I feel incredibly sorry for all the athletes still trying to live their Olympic dream, but that is the harsh reality. And the great champions like @adam_peaty know it.
It should have been either further postponed or cancelled.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 25, 2021
The likes of Gary Lineker and Gabby Logan hit back, claiming that the event is an uplifting necessity for millions of people after such a torrid year, but Morgan disagreed.
He went on to insist that the nation should only champion Gold medal winners, rather than athletes who simply make the podium.
"It's great to see @TeamGB athletes win Gold medals, not least so we can stop pretending Bronze is an achievement worthy of national celebration, but let's be honest - these Olympics are just not the same without fans," Morgan said.
"Real sporting champions don't celebrate coming 3rd."
Real sporting champions don't celebrate coming 3rd. https://t.co/Qp5THoWZ7k
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 26, 2021
The 54-year-old pointed to footballers, notably the England national team, who take off their runner-up medals immediately after they're handed to them.
"They wanted to win, not come second," Morgan added.
