North West Olympic hopefuls on the one year countdown to Tokyo Games

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are the biggest sporting event to be impacted by coronavirus, with the Games being postponed by 12 months.

Now, with a year to go until the rearranged event is due to begin in Japan's capital city, some of the North West sport stars targeting Tokyo have spoken about the impact the delay has had on them.

Liverpool featherweight boxer Peter McGrail Credit: Press Association

Boxer Peter McGrail should have been in Tokyo but instead he's at home in Liverpool. The 24 year old European and Commonwealth bantamweight champion was the last British athlete to book a place on Team GB before coronavirus caused the country to lockdown and the Olympics to be postponed. 

The 12 month delay has had a huge impact on Peter, who has chosen to put his plans to turn professional on hold.  

BMX Freestyler Charlotte Worthington Credit: Press Association

Like Peter, Manchester's BMX freestyler Charlotte Worthington is another with podium potential. The 24 year old became Britain's first female medalist at a World championships when she took bronze in 2019. But both her and her sport will have to wait a little longer for their Olympic debut.

Jason and Laura Kenny with Olympic gold medals in Rio 2016 Credit: Press Association

Bolton's Jason Kenny and his wife Laura Kenny know all about winning Olympic golds with ten between them. The track cyclists are happy to have more time to prepare for next year's Games.

Jason and Laura could become Britain's most successful Olympians at next year's Games which are due to start on 23rd July 2021. But history will have to wait, as for now all they and the rest of our medal hopefuls can do is keep up their Tokyo training.