OLYMPIC REACTIONS

Katie Ledecky (@katieledecky) American swimmer

‘As we stand together to meet today’s challenges, we can dream about a wonderful Olympics in a beautiful country. Now is the time to support all those working to heal the sick and keep us all healthy. We will get through this together.’

Elinor Barker (@elinorbarker) Welsh road and track racing cyclist

‘Well, that’s that. Olympics postponed a year and #Tokyo2020 becomes #Tokyo2021. I’m devastated. That’s not to say I disagree with the decision, 100% understand and respect the reasons. I know there are bigger issues right now, and this pales in comparison to the loss a lot of people around the world are experiencing, but I can’t pretend it doesn’t hurt a little.’

Karoline Grøvdal (@karolinebgrovdal) Norwegian long-distance runner

‘Tokyo 2021!! My dreams are not cancelled, they are just postponed. #tokyo2021 #olympics #agjerde #adidas’

Eliud Kipchoge (@EliudKipchoge) Kenyan long-distance runner

‘All in all a very wise decision to postpone the Olympics until 2021. I look forward to come back to Japan to defend my Olympic title next year and look forward to witness a wonderful event. I wish everybody good health in these challenging times.’

Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold) American wrestler

‘#Tokyo2021 You gonna cry about it or boss up? First of all imma do both.’

Katarina Johnson-Thompson (@JohnsonThompson) English heptathlete

‘Waited 8 years for this, what’s another 1 in the grand scheme of things? As an athlete, it’s heartbreaking news about the olympics being postponed until 2021, but it’s for all the right reasons and the safety of everyone! Hope everyone keeps safe and stay indoors’

Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) Czech tennis player

‘Sad news today that we won’t be able to compete at the Olympics this year, but it’s definitely the right decision given the situation the world is in with Covid19. Instead of being disappointed, let’s look forward to making 2021 the best Olympics the world has ever seen!’

Michael Phelps American swimmer

‘Honestly, my first thought was I was relieved. Now, there’s more of a chance that we can beat this thing and do what we need to do to save as many lives as possible. I was happy to see them logically making a smart decision. It’s just frustrating it took this long.’

Thomas Bach International Olympic Committee president

‘This Olympic flame will be the light at the end of the tunnel.’