The International Olympic Committee announced on Tuesday (24) the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first time the competition has been rescheduled in the history of the Games and the unprecedented decision left athletes relieved. With her spot guaranteed, the red-and-black gymnast Flávia Saraiva celebrated. 

"This news has given us a break, as it's been a very difficult time for us. I, for example, have been out of training for a week and a half, and there are athletes who have been out for much longer. This is very difficult for us, as we have a routine of training eight hours a day from Monday to Saturday. It's very difficult to be without training. This has given us a sigh of relief, as we now have another year of preparation," said Flavinha, making an appeal to the fans. "This is a very difficult time not only for us, but for the whole world. Keep taking care of yourselves, stay home, wash your hands thoroughly, and use hand sanitizer. Take care of yourselves and others, and keep exercising," concluded the gymnast.

Flávia Saraiva secured her spot at the Olympic Games in October of last year. At the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, the red-and-black athlete finished 10th in the Individual All-Around, qualifying for the final and securing a spot in Tokyo. In the final, finishing 7th was Brazil's best result in the competition in the last 12 years. Flávia also reached the finals of the Floor and Balance beam, finishing 4th and 6th, respectively. Her Olympic debut was in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.