Nairobi, May 3 (IANS): Sports Management agent Michel Boeting has warned athletes to prepare for the situation to get even worse as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreck the sports world.

Boeting, a Dutchman who runs a management firm that represents several African athletes, including Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha, has warned that the return of normalcy in athletics and many other sports will be delayed until 2021, reports Xinhua news agency.

He does, however, expect some competitions to resume in late 2020.

Most athletes depend on shoe contracts, appearance fees, prize money, and product and service endorsements to earn their living.

The majority will see their contracts run out at the end of this season in September, yet renewal is dependent on their performances, which has been impossible to gauge in 2020.

"Nobody knows what will happen. Many contracts and sponsorship deals are in limbo. So some athletes will be in a very difficult position," Boeting warned on Sunday.

"If you don't run races, there is no chance for bonuses, appearance fees, prize money. That will be a big burden for many athletes and their families who depend on them," Boeting added.