British Sailing Team welcomes Tokyo 2020 postponement

Luke Patience and Chris Grube in the Men's 470 © Lloyd Images / www.lloydimages.com

The British Sailing Team welcomes the news of the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

A joint statement from the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee today confirmed that the Olympics will be held after 2020 but not later than summer 2021.

Mark Robinson, RYA Olympic Performance Manager and Team GB Sailing Team Leader, said: "The British Sailing Team fully supports the IOC's decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

"It is obviously hugely disappointing for our athletes and staff who have devoted the last four years and often much longer to their dream of representing Team GB at the Olympics.

"However, we all understand the seriousness of the unprecedented global situation and believe the decision to delay the Games is the right one for the sake of the health of athletes, support staff, sports fans and the wider public. A delay will also ensure that competition remains fair.

"Our sailors and support staff remain resilient and incredibly determined to achieve our goals at the Olympic Games. We will do everything in our power to ensure we are ready to perform in Enoshima in 2021."

The team's immediate priority will be to ensure the safety and physical and mental wellbeing of its athletes during the coronavirus lockdown.

Work will also begin to re-plan the complex logistics involved in preparing and training for the Olympics.

Our thoughts remain with the families and individuals affected by COVID-19, as well as the front-line workers - including many health care professionals from the UK sports network - who are working to keep our communities safe and well.