With Tokyo 2020 now postponed until 2021, many sportswomen have taken to social media to react to the news. While many are understandably disappointed on a personal level, all support the IOC's decision.

Here are what some of Britain's leading Olympic and Paralympic athletes had to say... 

Katarina Johnson-Thompson

Heptathlete and World Champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson was one of the most vocal critics of the IOC's call for athletes to continue preparing and training as best they can. On her Instagram, she wrote: "Waited 8 years for this, what’s another 1 in the grand scheme of things?"

She then added: "As an athlete, it’s heartbreaking news about the Olympics being postponed until 2021, but it’s for all the right reasons and the safety of everyone! Going to take some time to process it all, hope everyone keeps safe and stay indoors."

Hannah Cockroft

Wheelchair racer and five-time Paralympic Champion Hannah Cockroft echoed Johnson-Thompson's feelings. On Instagram, she wrote: "It’s the right decision, but it doesn’t make it any less gutting. We put so much into being in the best shape of our lives every 4 years, to add another year onto that is tough.

"But we have to just use this time to get stronger and faster, so that #Tokyo2021 is the biggest and best Games ever. Those that use this time wisely will come out on top when the Games eventually come around. The work and the wait are worth it, keep working, stay motivated but most importantly, stay safe, so this decision isn’t in vain."

Able to find the bright side, Cockfort quickly followed up her reaction with a tweet saying: "Just think, at least I'm reigning Paralympic Champion for another year!" We can't wait to see her defend that title next year.

Shauna Coxsey

For Britain's leading climber, Shauna Coxsey, Tokyo 2020 would have been her Olympic debut and the first time that the sport featured in the Games. That doesn't mean she is any less supportive of the change in schedule.

On Instagram, she wrote: "Like everyone in the world right now, I am having to adapt to restrictions, the disappointment of cancellations and a new way of living. It is a challenging time for us all but it is absolutely necessary.

"Sport has given me so much; passion, love, challenge, growth, a career and most importantly a community. Now more than ever, we must think of others. The Olympics is a joyful event that inspires people from all over the World and brings communities together, but at this unprecedented time we must keep those communities safe and for this reason, it is right to postpone the games."

Sophie Hahn

Sprinter and T38 world record holder in the 100m and 200m, Sophie Hahn would have been defending her Paralympic title this summer. Instead, she has said that she will continue to work hard to make the Tokyo Games, whenever they take place just as incredible as if they had taken place as planned. 

On Twitter, she wrote: "It must have been a very difficult decision to postpone the Tokyo games, especially when so many people had worked so hard to make it incredible. It will still be incredible next year. We will make sure of that."

Dina Asher-Smith

As well as offering her congratulations to Cockroft on Twitter for her extra year as Paralympic champion, queen of the track, Dina Asher-Smith shared a simple message on Instagram.

She wrote: "#Tokyo2021 ♥️ ⁣ Same 🔥, new dates. Stay at home and stay safe everyone xxx."

Kadeena Cox

At Rio 2016, cyclist and sprinter, Kadeena Cox became the first British Paralympian to win golds in multiple sports at the same Games since 1984.

On Instagram, she wrote: "Different time line, same goal🚲💨🏃🏾‍♀️💨 The right decision to make and thank you for those put in the hard position to have to make the decision! Let’s stick together in these tough times and come out the other side stronger mentally and physically."

One thing is for sure when we're all out the other side and the Tokyo Games do take place it is going to be a party the likes of which the world has never seen.