TOM Squires has been reassured his place at the Tokyo Olympics is safe despite the event being delayed by a year.

While many sports have not yet held their qualifying events, there was already a 15-strong team in place for Great Britain.

The windsurfer from Kingston Bagpuize secured his spot last October for the Men’s RS:X competition at Enoshima Island, originally scheduled for this July.

But the decision to postpone the Games by 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic created a possibility of holding another round of qualifying.

However, the British Olympic Association and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have confirmed they will keep faith with the squad.

Mark Robinson, RYA Olympic performance manager and Team GB sailing team leader, said: “I am delighted to re-confirm the 15 athletes already selected for Team GB will stay the same for the rescheduled Games.

“Over the past eight months we have nominated an incredibly talented group of sailors to the British Olympic Association and we strongly believe they remain the right athletes to represent the nation in 2021.

“The global pandemic has caused much uncertainty but, combined with release of the new dates for the Olympic Games, this decision will give our sailors the confidence, clarity and motivation to charge towards Tokyo 2020 and the goal of bringing home medals for Team GB.”

Mark England, Team GB Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020, said: “We are delighted with the sailing team selected for the Games and think they bring a great mix of proven Olympic success along with exciting new talent.

“We feel with the re-confirmation of these names, the athletes can firmly set their sights on next July and ensure that when training resumes they can thoroughly prepare and be in the best possible position to show Team GB supporters and the world, what they’re capable of in Tokyo.”