It appears the Olympic Cauldron will have to stay lit until 2021.
"This was absolutely the right call and everyone should follow their lead," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
On Monday, International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told the USA Today, that the upcoming Tokyo Games will be postponed. The focus moving forward will be to reschedule the worldwide competition for next summer with an official announcement to come sometime in the next four weeks.
"It's a blessing in disguise," Team USA boxing contender Darius Fulghum said. "Sure it might not be July of 2020, but it's still going to happen, that's what I'm thankful for."
Over the weekend the writing went up on the wall, as Team Canada and Australia, essentially pulled out of the event due to concerns regarding the Coronavirus outbreak.
"I know this is heartbreaking for so many people, athletes, coaches, staff and fans," Trudeau said. "Social distancing, physical distancing is the single best way to keep others safe."
Concerns were also voiced by several Team USA organizations such as swimming, track and field, and gymnastics, prompting the USOPC to encourage the IOC to suspend the Olympics as well.
With time to properly train for next year's events, athletes know their dreams aren't over, just temporarily put on hold.
"Still trying to leave a legacy, regardless still need to train for the best of the best and gives me more time to get ready for it anyway," Fulghum said.
