BERLIN, March 24 -- German athletes and officials have widely approved to decision to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

It is the first postponement or cancellation of the Olympic Games in peacetime.

Most athletes spoke of great relief after the Games have been moved to 2021 but mentioned new difficulties ahead. "These games would have been like hell for us," Olympic canoe champion Ronald Rauhe commented.

Athletes of all sports were trapped in a constant dilemma. "We were desperate to train every day, but had to consider our responsibility for society and avoid contacting people," Rauhe underlined.

The canoeist said many athletes might have lost the last chance to participate in the Olympic Games. "I intended to retire after the Tokyo games, now I have to think again as another hard year of training would be the result."

Robert Harting called the decision the right step but spoke about "catastrophic effects for many athletes". The 2017 gold medal winner said many "have to restructure their lives now as we gain most of our income is based around the Olympic Games."

Wrestling world champion Frank Staebler announced his decision to continue and face the challenge "as I am used to living with life's adversities".

His Olympic dream hasn't burst but is only postponed, the three-time world champion said. He is ready to delay his planned retirement, the 30-year-old told Xinhua.

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