Tom Bosworth believes he will be fitter and stronger when the Olympic Games comes around next year.

And the Tonbridge race walker has quashed any speculation that he may be about to retire.

The Tokyo 2020 games were postponed earlier this week, until next year, and Bosworth says he’s happy to continue as long as it’s only been postponed.

He was prompted to issue a statement this week after being contacted by a number of people, asking him not to retire, following speculation in a national newspaper article about his future.

He said: “I’ll be honest, I’m totally heartbroken due to the time, commitment and sacrifice I’ve given to putting myself in the best physical shape to take on the Tokyo Olympics this year.

“Opening my season with two British Records over 5k and 10k indicated I’d done just that.

“I only indicated I’d hang up my trainers if the IOC (International Olympic Committee) decided to cancel the games, as another four years of dedication totalling eight years between games wasn’t worth it.

“Thankfully there is light at the end of the tunnel and the Games have only been postponed.”

Bosworth finished sixth at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

“I know I can get myself back to the shape I am in now, to be ready to race at the Tokyo Olympic Games next summer,” he said, adding thanks to those offering ongoing support, adding: “I’ll need your support to maintain the quality over the next 15 months as I have from the last six months.

“I will see you all in 2021, ready to take on the world, fitter and stronger than I am today, because the truth is, #TomWalksFast.”