Australian equestrian champion Andrew Hoy would have been in the midst of saddling up for his eighth Olympics.
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Instead the Culcairn export has been using the time to train his horses and enjoy the company of family at their home in the United Kingdom.
The three-time consecutive Olympic gold medal winner believes the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo games may even work in his favour.
"For some people it's been really disappointing, for other it's been an advantage," Hoy said.
"The way I see it is that it's given me a lot of time to focus on things that I've wanted to work on with my horses in training and not feel the pressure you get in competition.
"I believe it's been to my advantage that the Olympics have been postponed."
He admits that he, like so many others, has ridden the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"If something changes that's out of my control I just have to change what I do," he said.
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"That's the same as life, everything is evolving and you don't do exactly the same as you did last year or the year before."
While his seven Olympic appearances have all provided special moments, he holds the 2000 Sydney games close to his heart.
"It's not that it downgrades any of the other Olympics, but I won a team gold medal in front of a home crowd and also an individual silver medal. It was very special in that respect," he said.
"I believe the Australian people brought the best out of the country and the volunteers were absolutely fantastic.
"It's not just about the Olympic performances and what I do as an athlete, but it's everyone that's involved."
As Hoy continues to prepare for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics set to commence in July next year, he admits it may not be his last.
"I've got a wonderful team of horses and a tremendous support team with the owners of my horses," he said.
"The training program I have in place is very good, so I'm very much looking forward to the future.
"You always have to look forward to keep the fire burning rather than admiring the coals.
"If they're postponed once there's nothing to say that they're not going to be maybe cancelled next time.
"There's a little bit of anxiety there. Let's hope it will continue for next year."
While Hoy has lived in the UK for over two decades now, he admits Culcairn and Albury, where he attended school, will always be home.
After last visiting the region for Christmas he hopes to visit again when the pandemic situation allows.
"It's always great when I get back," he said.