The International Olympic Committee’s has announced that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will not go ahead as originally scheduled. Slated to occur from July 24 – August 9, the Games will be postponed to “a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021.” With official details yet to come, the IOC has also said that the Games will still occur in Japan and will keep the name ‘Tokyo 2020.’
In light of the cancellations, Olympic qualifiers and hopefuls across the globe have taken to Instagram and Twitter to share their thoughts.
Among those reacting today following the IOC’s official statement, several 2016 Olympic medalists who were set to vie for a return to the podium this summer have shared their thoughts, their support, and their plans for this shift in schedule.
Chad Le Clos
chadleclos92
Correct decision by @olympics – will refocus on #Tokyo2021 when the time is right. Stay healthy & safe everyone over the next few weeks ❤️ Let’s beat this together 💪 👊
Katie Ledecky
katieledecky
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.
Michael Andrew
swimmermichael
The Olympics have officially been postponed… grateful that a decision has been made 🙏🏽. For the athletes around the world, we can have peace in knowing that we will have the opportunity to be fully prepared for what will be the biggest competition of our lives. That is, when the time comes. For now, continue being wise and staying healthy. We will get through this. Thank you to the IOC for hearing the athletes and acting swiftly. I don’t know what goes in to planning an Olympic Games let alone postponing one. I can’t imagine the challenges that will have to be faced and I’m grateful to know the athletes and the health of the people around the world are of top priority. At the end of the day the Olympic spirit lives on with or without an Olympic Games! We are too blessed to stress! Have a great day, and I will keep the vlogs coming as I post daily from quarantine! #Cheers
Regan Smith
regansmith4
More fuel to the fire #tokyo2021
Ranomi Kromowidjojo
ranomikromo
Op naar Tokyo 2021 🙏🏽 Focus voor nu is gezond en fit blijven. Hoe gek het ook mag klinken, dit is echt een lichtpunt voor mij in deze gekke tijden. Ik ben blij dat er nu duidelijkheid is, maar voorlopig zijn er andere prioriteiten en zorgen. Ik houd het prima uit in en rond huis met minimaal sociaal contact, jullie hopelijk ook ☺️ 🙏🏽 ❤️
Lilly King
_king_lil
Just one more year to get better #Tokyo2021
Sarah Sjöström
sarahsjostrom
Olympic Games in Tokyo will be postponed to an unknown later date. Safety and health must come first. Hopefully athletes around the world can go back to their normal training venues soon. I have trust that IOC together with WHO take the safest decision when the Olympic Games can be organized.
Source: https://swimswam.com/swimmers-worldwide-react-to-tokyo-2020-postponement/