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Even though the decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games looked inevitable, today's announcement has come as a relief for the many athletes who have not been able to train properly because of the restrictions.

“We felt under pressure to train and compete," British swimmer Adam Peaty, who won gold at Rio 2016 in the 100m breaststroke, told BBC Sport.

“The decision from the IOC lifts that relief that we don’t have to be in shape over summer and we don’t have to put unnecessary risk on others.”

Heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, the current world champion who was among the favourites for gold, described the postponement as "heartbreaking". But she also joked: "Waited eight years for this, what’s another one in the grand scheme of things?"

British golfer Justin Rose, who described his gold-medal win four years ago as the "biggest gift" of his career, says he would be making the Olympics his "priority" in a rejigged 2021 schedule.

Paralympic cycling and athletics champion Kadeena Cox also backed the decision, saying the Games and its legacy can be enjoyed "when the time is right".

Read more reaction from leading athletes on BBC Sport.

British swimmer Adam Peaty won Great Britain's first medal at Rio 2016 with a world record in the men's 100m breaststroke Image caption: British swimmer Adam Peaty won Great Britain's first medal at Rio 2016 with a world record in the men's 100m breaststroke