Aussie Athletes React To The News That The Tokyo Olympics Will Be Postponed

International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound has confirmed that the 2020 Olympic Games won’t be going ahead until 2021.

The news comes after Australia and Canada announced yesterday that they would be withdrawing their teams from competing in Tokyo due to the coronavirus crisis.

WATCH: The Australian Olympic Committee make the announcement below.

"On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided," Pound said in an interview with USA Today.

"The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on 24 July, that much I know."

While the decision wasn’t taken lightly, many current and former Olympic athletes have taken to social media to vent their disappointment.

"Athletes excel at dealing with adversity and overcoming challenges," kayaker Jo Brigden-Jones tweeted. "We will stick together and tackle the challenges ahead #TokyoTogether #staystrong."

Jo Brigden-Jones OLY on Twitter

“Waving goodbye to the pool for now but the dream still lives on #covid_19 #tokyotogether #lockdown,” backstroke swimmer Emily Seebohm added.

Emily Seebohm on Twitter

Via Instagram, canoeist Alyce Wood wrote: "Whilst the timeframe may have shifter to #Tokyo2021, the end goal is still the same. This is bigger than sport which is why this was the right, and only, decision. Health always comes first."

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"Heartbroken but not surprised," Cate Campbell penned on her own account. "This virus has swept the world, shattering so many peoples' dreams and visions of the future. Yesterday it was Olympic athletes' turn to have their worlds turned upside down."

Cate Campbell on Twitter

Paralympian Ellie Cole wrote: "Health will always come first and the world needs to take a break. Athletes are some of the most resilient individuals walking the planet or swimming up and down the pool. I know I’ll use my team to get through this one too 🙏."

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I always told myself that the upcoming Tokyo Games would be the most unique experience of my life. It was the one that was going to push me all the way both physically and mentally. It had been a Games that had thrown everything at me. A relocation, a fractured foot, a fractured hip, multiple shoulder injuries, early mornings, aching muscles and some very early bed times. As each difficult moment came, I had an amazing team to help pull me through to the other side. Now, the news that our upcoming Games has been postponed is just another difficult moment to add to the book. Health will always come first and the world needs to take a break. Athletes are some of the most resilient individuals walking the planet and swimming up and down the pool. I know I'll use my team to get through this one too 🙏 Now it's time for a rest. Thank you to everyone who has reached out. You are all part of the team 💙🦾

Matildas forward Sam Kerr simply re-gramed a post from the Australian Olympic Team, adding the broken heart, concerned face and prayer hands emojis.

A handful of International athletes also weighed in, with long-distance runner Kara Goucher writing: "Really feeling for the athletes and the logistical nightmare ahead, but completely agree with the decision to postpone #Tokyo2020. No training venues or competitions, not much drug testing, athletes at risk trying to stay fit, but most importantly- it's what the athletes want."

Kara Goucher on Twitter

"Athletes dream of this moment for a lifetime...competing in the Olympics, representing their country, winning medals...78% of professional track & field athletes are willing to postpone that dream for their safety & the safety of our world. #wearethesport," American Emma Coburn added.

emma coburn (@emmajcoburn) | Twitter

Lucy Bode

Lucy is Women Health’s digital editor, social media specialist and the go-to girl for all things holistic wellness. Her background as a journalist and passion for food, fitness and integrative medicine has led her to write for some of Australia’s leading publications over the course of her career.

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