What they said – Coronavirus has the sporting world talking

The sporting world has almost all ground to a halt during the coronavirus crisis.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the reactions on March 24.

“Being boring is boring guys! But if it gets the job done it’s definitely worth it!

“We are all batting at 11 so let’s not get ahead of ourselves and start playing shots. Defend your stumps. One ball at a time and let Stokes do his thing #StayAtHome” – Jack Leach urged people to stay at home, even if some may find it boring.

Greg Rutherford expressed his sympathies for athletes who had been training for Tokyo 2020, but thinks the games should have been called off sooner.

The former long jumper said: “Tokyo 2021… Everyone deserves the right to fight for their place on the podium and with the situation the current crop of athletes were facing, it wouldn’t have been fair to host the Olympics this year. For anyone.

“Covid 19 was always a bigger dilemma than one existing within the bubble of sport and while I understand the importance of an athlete’s preparation and calendar restrictions more than anyone, the sensible and safe decision was always to postpone and face the challenges that comes with it. In all honesty, I think it should have been sanctioned sooner.

“Adjustments will have to be made, impact will trickle down from key stakeholders and advertisers to municipal workers and hotel staff. We’ll all feel it but when so many doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals are making genuine life threatening sacrifices to save people, this is the least we can do.

“Good luck to everyone prepping for the games. I might even come back and join you 😉 #Tokyo2021 #Olympics”

“Waited 8 years for this, what’s another 1 in the grand scheme of things? 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! Hope everyone keeps safe and stay indoors x” – Katarina Johnson-Thompson wrote her response to the news of the Olympics postponement, as did fellow athlete James Ellington.

Ellington said: “In this crazy time for the people of the world, the most important thing is to stay safe, before ANY event.

“Guess my Olympic return will have to wait until next year. Gotta roll with the punches, plus it gives me extra time to get my body right.

“Always try to take the positives out of any situation. Be safe people.”