Olympic athletes' lives are in four-year cycles.
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They are always training towards the next games, such is the case for Bendigo basketballer Tessa Lavey.
Lavey, who plays with the Australian Opals, was in the final months of preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
"The Olympics are something which involve athletes putting in four years of hard work and preparation," Lavey said.
"We train towards every Olympics and aim to be at our peak the closer we are to each games."
However, months of speculation came to an end this week after reports of a likely postponement until 2021 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Australian Olympic Committee also announced on Monday that it had decided to not send a team to the games and for athletes to focus on 2021.
"I think the right decision has been made as this year athletes around the world haven't been able to prepare as well as they would've liked," Lavey said.
The Bendigo Braves and Spirit player also acknowledged the importance of health and safety.
"The health of Australia, athletes and the entire world is so important in the current situation, so it's a real positive that Tokyo still plans to go ahead next year," she said.
The Australian Opals 19-player squad was scheduled to hold a camp this weekend on the Gold Coast to finalise the Tokyo list, but that has now also been cancelled.
"Basketball Australia has been really good on keeping us in the loop with all that's going on, especially the past couple days," Lavey said.
"Hopefully we can get together soon so we can start preparations for 2021."
Lavey said one of the biggest challenges in recent weeks had been changing her regular training program.
"It has been difficult to get into basketball stadiums, I haven't been in one for more than two weeks," she said.
"We're all looking forward to getting back to some normality so we can practice as we usually do."
However, Lavey already has plans on how to stay fit, engaged and connected with fellow athletes with help from social media.
"I've already spoken with a friend of mine Sara Blicavs, and we are going to do FaceTime fitness sessions together, so we're not just by ourselves exercising in our lounge rooms," Lavey laughed.
"Basketball Australia is also going to help with training and will send us out some stuff.
"I can't really do much more, I will probably go for a few runs and of course keep my distance from people."
Lavey was also due to play with the Bendigo Braves in the 2020 NBL1 South scheduled to start in mid-April, which has now been postponed to begin no sooner than May 15.
The league's plan is to monitor the situation closer to the date.
"We hope to be able to be in a position to still play this season but we will be guided by the relevant health authorities and provide regular updates," NBL chief operating officer Andy Crook said.
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