Brownlee ready to extend Olympic career into 2021

Alistair Brownlee is preparing to extend his Olympic career by another 12 months following the announcement that the Tokyo Games have been postponed until 2021.

The double triathlon gold medallist and his brother Jonny were altitude training in New Mexico when news of the delay came through, prompting a “scary” dash back to Britain on one of the few remaining flights.

The 31-year-old Brownlee admitted he was “100%” ready to call time on his short-course career after Tokyo, and relaunch his ambition of challenging on the “Ironman” circuit.

Brownlee said: “Tokyo 2020 would have 100% been my last short distance race, and I am now going to have to extend it for another year.

“The logical conclusion is that it will be more difficult because I will be another year older. But you never know what is going to happen in a year in endurance sport. A year ago I didn’t think I would be in the position I am now – I thought my short-course career was effectively over.

Meanwhile, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach hopes a decision on a new date for Tokyo can be agreed “as soon as possible”.

Bach said in a conference call yesterday morning that a call would take place with the 33 international sports federations today to discuss the matter.

“We have to see with them what the options are,” he said.

“After having consulted with them we also have to take into account the sporting calendar around the Olympic Games and many, many other issues.”