Postponement gets the thumbs up from competitor

PROSPECTIVE OLYMPIC competitors were quick out of the blocks yesterday after the Tokyo Games were postponed until 2021 and most gave the decision the thumbs up on social media.

“All in all a very wise decision,” tweeted Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic marathon champion and the only man to run the distance in less than two hours.

“I look forward to come back to Japan to defend my Olympic title next year and look forward to witness a wonderful event.”

Italian cyclist Elia Viviani, a track gold medallist in Rio in 2016, summed up much of the reaction when he tweeted: “Postponing the Olympics to 2021 is the best decision for me.

“Today we are all struggling with a much bigger problem… So Olympics see you in 2021!”

One of his sprint rivals, Britain’s Mark Cavendish said: “BIG news and it’s the right call,“before adding: “On a sporting side, there’s going to be a few nations thankful for 12 months more preparation!”

Belgian cyclist Victor Campenaerts was worried about his girlfriend, swimmer Fanny Lecluyse: “She has already been selected, will she be selected for next year’s Olympics? Does she have to qualify again? She was planning to retire after these Games.”

For some athletes, like Simone Biles who had said she planned to retire after Tokyo, it means another year of hard work. Her coach said the US gymnasts were ready.

“As needed as it is, for every athlete especially gymnasts who’ve started this journey so young, worked as hard of even harder for this,” tweeted Cecile Landi, who competed for France but coaches in Texas.

“BUT We will regroup and ‘replan’ to get back strong for 2021!”

Russian gymnast Angelina Melnikova, was less happy with the decision.

“I’m very excited and now I’m very upset, we are all very upset. But now we have time,“she posted on Instagram. “I’ll do my best gymnastics ever. Let’s go with me.” – AFP