The global showpiece in the Land of the Rising Sun was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has gripped the globe.

The 22-year-old Waddell, who claimed gold at the FINA Swimming World Championships in Gwangju, Korea last year, was geared to debut at the Olympics later this year.

The Bloemfontein born and bred Waddell told OFM Sport that he is disappointed about the decision, but believes that it was the correct call.

“With the Olympics being postponed by a year, I think it was absolutely the right decision to make in light of what is happening around the world right now.

“I think that is just best if everything gets shut down right now so that we can make way for the medical professionals, scientists and everyone working to fight the Coronavirus, just to make their lives and jobs easier.

“In terms of my preparations for the Olympics – I was a little bummed because of it being postponed by a year, but it is also a blessing in disguise. It does give me another year to tune in, carry on my improvement trajectory and in the end, hopefully, it does get me one step closer to that Olympic gold medal dream.

“A message to everyone around the world – please stay inside, flatten the curve, carry on having hope and let’s get through this together.”

The Olympic Games will now be taking place from 23 July to 8 August 2021.

Waddell will complete his studies next month at the University of Alabama, and he is planning to stay on in the USA.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport