Q Radio Sport
The Tokyo Olympics have been postponed until 2021 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The IOC made the decision after Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe asked members to delay the Games due to measures to combat COVID-19.
They'll now be held no later than the summer of next year “to safeguard the health of the athletes".
A County Down cycling star who’s an Irish medal hope for Tokyo has welcomed the decision.
Mark Downey is following in the footsteps of his father Seamus who raced for Ireland in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Competing at the elite World Track Championships in Poland last year, Mark took bronze in the points race.
But with Japan on hold, the 23-year-old has told Q Radio he's set for a very different summer back home in Dromore:
They way I read this is an opportunity to be one year stronger after a crazy 2 years of qualifying. 2021 I’ll be ready and I can’t wait 😎☘️. Stay safe all https://t.co/IYMAUh3YhB
— Mark Downey (@MarkDowney03) March 24, 2020
Meanwhile, 1972 Olympics gold medalist Lady Mary Peters has urged those preparing for Tokyo to stay strong:
Here's the legend:
We are devastated for those athletes effected by the postponed #TokyoOlympics stay strong and focused! @Olympics @BelTel_Sport @irishhockey @McClenaghanRhys @AthleticsNI @RowingIreland pic.twitter.com/uBFaXYvWlX
— Mary Peters Trust (@MaryPetersTrust) March 24, 2020