These Fresno-area athletes were affected by the postponement of Olympics due to coronavirus
For at least four central San Joaquin Valley athletes, hopes of representing the United States at the Olympics will have to wait.
The International Olympic Committee postponed the 2020 Games in Tokyo until 2021 because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The list of locals who hope to compete in Tokyo includes track and field athlete Jenna Prandini of Clovis, boxer Richard Torrez Jr. of Tulare, soccer player Lynn Williams of Fresno and BMX rider Brooke Crain of Visalia.
Prandini and Craine competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Both remained active on their international circuits.
Prandini said she is still working out “and hoping there are meets to compete in when things clear up.”
Prandini, 27, is in the top 20 in the world rankings in both the 100 meters and the 200.
“It’s definitely a disappointment,” she said of the postponement. “But with everything that’s going on in the world right now, it makes sense that they have to delay it.
“To be honest, I’m just thankful that it got delayed rather than canceled. I was getting ready to be in some of the best shape of my life. You just keep fighting and I’ll be ready next year.
“You can’t predict what’s going to happen in two or three months but hopefully we’ll be able to jump into some races towards the end of summer or end of the year if there is events that pop up in July, August and the virus calms down. I’ll definitely be competing in those.”
Torrez already on boxing roster
Torrez was one of 13 boxers already selected to the U.S. Olympic team.
Torrez’s father, Richard Sr., said his son was disappointed but understands health comes first.
He said Richard Jr. plans on competing at the Olympics next year, telling his father, “I was dreaming about this since I was 8 years old that I’ll be an Olympic champion. I want to follow this dream.”
“How can you deny his dream?” Richard Sr. said. “He’s 20 and we’re not in it for the money. He’s in it for the joy and being the best in the world.”
Williams on USWNT roster
Williams, a Bullard High product, is one of 23 on the U.S. Women’s National Team roster. She began to emerge as a key player during international competition this year.
