On Tuesday, March 24th, the Olympics announced that they would postpone the event until 2021 due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The event was supposed to be held July 24 to August – 9th in Tokyo, Japan. Athletes who have trained for the event are disappointed that they cannot participate. In the past, the Olympics have only been cancelled due to world wars, but now the event is being cancelled due to a global pandemic.  

Femita Ayanbeku has been training nonstop to prepare for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. When the event got postponed, she was very disappointed.

“Having to delay it for a year is going to hurt,” Ayenbeku told ABC News. She is finding it very difficult to train right now due to the amount of gyms and parks closing. 

Other athletes shared their thoughts on social media.

“Our time will come,” Cyclist Kate Courtney posted on Instagram. “These dreams are not canceled, they are just on a hold for a moment. Hope and heartbreak can live side by side”. 

Swimmer Katie Ledecky shared “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 healthy”. 

Sprinter Adam Gemili believes that postponing the event was necessary.

“[It’s] a huge decision but I think the right one for sure,” Gemeli said.