There have been many heartfelt reactions to yesterday’s announcement that the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee are now preparing for a Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in the northern hemisphere summer of 2021.

Here’s a compilation of some of the words from NSW Institute of Sport athletes and staff.

 

Cate Campbell – Olympian (Swimming)

 

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Heartbroken but not surprised. 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. . The news that the Games would be postponed indefinitely (but hopefully until 2021) came as no great surprise but still sent shock waves through the Olympic community. To be honest, I’m left reeling and feeling a little lost. But the goal posts haven’t disappeared – just shifted. It’s time to recalibrate and fire up for the next challenge . Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages, the outpouring of support makes me proud to be Australian. I’m thinking of everyone who has been affected by this pandemic, let’s stick together through these times and come out a stronger more united community. We are all in this together. . Sending love to everyone, stay safe, stay healthy and maybe grab a bottle of wine or two . #Olympics2021#samedream @ausolympicteam @dolphinsaus

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Melissa Wu – Olympian (Diving)

 

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So today I found out there’s a good chance Tokyo 2020 won’t go ahead, I had to close my strength/weightlifting business @hrdkawstrength and my Spotify got hacked! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But I refuse to be anything but positive. I’ve never been more thankful for having an amazing home gym set up. I might not be able to train in the pool but I’ll still be working my butt off at home doing all my dryland training, strength and conditioning, and rehab. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’ve got a new trampoline coming tomorrow and I’m super excited. Bring on the HrdKAW high performance home training ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And if you check out my story, you’ll see I might have even found myself a synchro partner ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ united. by. strength ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @divingaus @nswinstituteofsport @ausolympicteam @hrdkawstrength @havokathletic @johnnovakboomerangeffect @pbphysio @world__diving ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #diving #diver #athlete #training #homegym #garagegym #hometraining #nevergiveup #olympian #dryland #saults #imitations #hrdkawstrength #hrdkawweightlifting #hrdkawweightliftingclub #thatshrdkaw #havok #havokathletic #unitedbystrength #gohavok

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Locky Hollis – Aussie Sharks (Water Polo)

 

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Group training update We have decided that it’s in the best interest of our community to close our van doors to group training. . You would have heard about the announcement for the NSW lockdown and Yes we are an outdoor business and don’t fall under the gym category, however we wouldn’t feel comfortable running classes as our biggest priority is holistic wellbeing. . We want to play a part in stopping the spread of COVID, even though we are a small company we hope this decision will have a positive impact on those around us. . It’s was also unfair for my fellow Olympic squad members as I didn’t want to put them or our campaign towards Tokyo at risk and jeopardise our potential!. . It’s so hard to write this and this morning I was very emotional as I’ve spent over 4 years grinding my ass off to build up our community and brand, we are NOT done but this hurts, last session tomorrow with @hfit_flow . . We will still be running running classes, we are adapting to the unfolding situation. . Our focus is now on getting our group training sessions live online so we can still have a positive impact through this rough time. We need to remember why we started this business and focus on bringing positivity during this rough time. . We hope you all understand, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t do our part for the community and for our elders. PT will continue under safe trainings methods. . . I strongly encourage you all to follow our pages closely as we are working 24/7 to get the upper hand on this horrible situation. . Love Locky #supportsmallbusinesses.

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Jo Brigden-Jones – Olympian (Canoe Sprint)

 

Jake Michael – NSWIS Canoe Sprint Head Coach

 

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With the ever changing environment around us and the possibility of a postponed Olympic Games, I wanted to specially thank the two guys either side me. Ross and @tilley_strength. Thanks for all your help, commitment, expertise and guidance to help secure a large number of @nswinstituteofsport athletes on both the Olympic team and the junior/U23 teams. A shout out too, to all the #teamnswis support staff who all played their part in helping the athletes achieve their goals @ashbrunner @m_mitchell87 @aj_beach @dwhites14 @haylzweston. Your input is truly valued and appreciated by all involved. #teambehindtheteam #anotheryeartogo #norebuildyet #kayaklife #kayaking #whatasquad #coachinglife

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Ellie Cole – Paralympian (Swimming)

 

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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 in the book. 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 Now it’s time for a rest. Thank you to everyone who has reached out. You are all part of the team

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