Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics postponed until 2021

A joint statement on Tuesday from the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee confirmed the postponement of the 2020 Games. Based on information from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the accelerating spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, IOC President Thomas Bach and Japan Prime Minister Abe Shinzo made the decision to delay the Games beyond 2020, to a date no later than the summer of 2021.

This unprecedented move marks the first disruption to the Olympic calendar since the 1940 and 1944 Games were canceled due to World War II. Similarly, the 1916 Games were called off due to World War I. Outside of those three occasions, the Summer Games have been held every four years since 1896, when Athens, Greece, hosted the first modern Olympics.

The International Paralympic Committee was in full agreement with the decision, calling it the "absolutely the right thing to do."

The ITF also added to the consensus: “The global health situation continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace, and we are faced with an unprecedented situation that calls for responsible leadership and making informed decisions," ITF President David Haggerty said. "Whilst this is a bitter disappointment for all those who have been preparing and training hard, we all understand that the protection of human life, health and safety comes first."

While the details surrounding the postponement have yet to be determined, all parties are hopeful of a powerful and symbolic return in 2021.

"The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times," the IOC and Tokyo committee joint statement reads, "and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present."

The USTA's official statement on the matter is below:

The decision to postpone the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo was obviously a difficult one, and we understand the frustration and disappointment that so many of the athletes are experiencing right now. Ultimately, though, with the ongoing and evolving situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus, this was the most prudent and appropriate decision. The USTA is in full support of this move, as the health and safety of the athletes, fans, volunteers, staff and all those involved with Tokyo 2020 are the highest priority. We will work closely with the IOC, USOPC, WTA, ATP and ITF as we move forward in this process.