Table 2 Selected remarks concerning lockdown challenges and experience of individual athletes from 45 countries
Country, gender, age | Sport (level) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
Albania, M, 50 | Football (ST) | “Better training during confinement, with my family; we used simple exercises and programs which are fun” |
Argentina, M, 31 | Swimming (ST) | “It’s difficult for me to excel in open water swimming, so I chose to start triathlon; I have a roller to do quality (bike) training sessions” |
Australia, M, 61 | Cycling (ST) | “Lockdown is devastating for my health and financial situation. Our government has to stop this. I want my life back” |
Australia, F, 29 | Rugby (NAT) | “While my training intensity and duration has been more or less maintained, the lack of training partners is impacting on motivation and enjoyment” |
Australia, M, 30 | Cycling (INT) | “I have small injuries and needed to get adequate recovery, but I still keep training as I’m afraid to lose fitness if I quit training completely” |
Belgium, F, 26 | Swimming (ST) | “I used to do many of my sessions in the gym, both running, cycling and resistance training. With the lockdown I ran and cycled outside all the times” |
Belgium, F, 28 | Swimming (WC) | “I trained 20–22 hours weekly. Trying to find new routines; began at 7:00 am with cardio or stabilization, then 2–2:30 hours swimming and twice-weekly weight training. I cycled a lot and set biweekly challenges for motivation” |
Benin, M, 30 | Football (INT) | “Due to the closure of stadiums and sports facilities, my training sessions have been more jogging outdoors (9-15km / session). |
Brazil, F, 23 | Sailing (NAT) | “The biggest difference for me is training alone. I would usually run with training partners 4–5 times weekly. But I’m now able to add running sessions as I work from home; often with shorter sessions but run twice a day” |
Brazil, M, 24 | Taekwondo (NAT) | “I try to recall what I was doing during the training and I also attempt to change my daily habits. I try to follow my regular routines” |
Brazil, M, 19 | Judo (ST) | “Facing economic issues and could receive more support (needs assistance)” |
Brazil, F, 26 | Judo (WC) | “I bought training materials to practice at home, I did a small change in the bedroom in my parent’s house to have more space for training” |
Canada, M, 51 | Cycling (NAT) | “Not having access to gym facilities. I can no longer do the weight training that I do as a means of maintaining strength and preventing injuries.” |
Canada, F, 24 | Runner (NAT) | “It has been easy to continue with running training (minimal facilities); difficulty in maintaining motivation with resumption uncertainty, and S&C (no proper equipment at home); I suffered a mild quadriceps strain” |
Canada, M, 52 | Cycling (NAT) | “Have more time available, so my training and recovery quality have improved; no need to go to work or having any other social engagements” |
Canada, M, 54 | Cycling (INT) | “Enjoyed it, never ever had the opportunity to be with family for such a long time; I train twice a day at home, and being surrounded by my partner” |
Canada, WC, 28 | Biathlon (WC) | “I recommend that World sport bodies compel National bodies to make available training programs for their athletes should cases like this reoccur.” |
Chile, F, 24 | Hockey (ST) | “Initially, I ran on a treadmill, and now back on the road within a limited range; amazed how my glutes and hamstrings weakened over the time period” |
Chile, F, 22 | Wushu (NAT) | “I do not consciously feel anxious (but maybe subconsciously). Moved from more sport-specific training to a more general fitness, base-building, phase” |
Chile, F, 26 | Hockey (ST) | “Personally, with the anxiety and uncertainty about the situation, it has been difficult for me to maintain the diet and supplementation schedule.” |
Chile, F, 23 | Hockey (INT) | “It has all been progressive; I didn’t have any implements, but little by little I bought basic things, like bands, rope or dumbbells. A week ago the team gave me an Olympic bar with weights so I could train better” |
Colombia, F, 27 | Cycling (ST) | “It was hard staying motivated to train not knowing when I will compete again” |
Croatia, M, 22 | Karate (NAT) | “Reduced length of longer sessions; focused more with S&C work. Reduced intensity: mitigate being unwell and infection risk, and uncertainty to compete” |
Croatia, M, 19 | Athletics (INT) | “I trained as before the lockdown mostly because the conditions in my hometown are so poor that there was no difference” |
Czech, F, 22 | Swimming (INT) | “Typically most of my training sessions are in swimming pool, but I did not have access to the swimming pool during the COVID-19 lockdown” |
England, M, 43 | Cycling (INT) | “I am blessed to have the mental strength and coaching support” |
England, F, 28 | Triathlon (ST) | “My overall training volume has increased, but my swimming has gone down to zero. General fitness improved, swim-specific fitness dropped dramatically” |
England, M, 33 | Martial arts (INT) | “The lockdown was not good for our overall health mentally, physically, and financially” |
Finland, F, 35 | Bodybuilding (INT) | “I was able to get all the needed equipment at home, so my training was very versatile” |
Finland, F, 29 | Baseball (NAT) | “I am a team sport. I felt that training in small groups was irresponsible, thus I trained alone. Responsibility and clear instructions are needed” |
Finland, F, 25 | Football (WC) | “I am afraid of getting injured. Football season starts after 2 weeks of notice period that is not enough” |
Finland, F, 25 | Biathlon (WC) | “I usually travel to high altitude during summer for a training camp. If not able to do that that is going to have a huge impact on me” |
France, M, 47 | Tennis (NAT) | “Biggest limitations are motivation, loss of fitness, and weight gain. Unable to push harder; training 4-6hrs on the stationary bike drives me mentally insane” |
France, M, 43 | Biathlon (NAT) | “It’s possible to continue running (even outdoors), in cycling (on a home trainer), but not in swimming. So, maintaining physiological and technical capacities was possible on some of the activities” |
France, F, 30 | Athletics (NAT) | “The most difficult thing is to run without a competition objective. No specific work. Lack of sleep. Sport was a mental relief to go through confinement” |
France, F, 27 | Gymnastic (INT) | “Lockdown allowed me to realize how very important competitive sport is in my life. Now I am even more determined to give everything during my workouts, and every moment spent in the gym” |
France, M, 58 | Swimming (ST) | “I would disobey the confinement recommendations by training in a natural environment, lagoon plus mountain” |
Germany, M, 49 | Rowing (NAT) | “I am fortunate that I have a very good home gym set up so the lockdown did not affect my training. In fact my training has improved by working at home online (more energy to train as less energy was expended during the day)” |
Greece, M, 19 | Football (ST) | “I improved strength and flexibility, parameters that I neglected previously” |
Hong Kong, M, 33 | Football (INT) | “It’s very important to have a psychology (session) in this time, it will help a lot to keep your mind strong and focus on your future.” |
India, M, 21 | Football (ST) | “Stress from the pandemic severely impacted my motivation and ability to concentrate, which in turn impacted my training intensity and duration” |
India, F, 19 | Cricket (NAT) | “I’m struggling with training due to limited space for training. The restricted outdoor time is inconvenient, and unsafe (being outside) for me as a woman” |
Indonesia, M, 23 | Hockey (NAT) | “The athletes’ training program needs to be monitored by the coach no matter the condition is (social distancing)” |
Indonesia, F, 19 | Sport Climbing (NAT) | “The athletes need funding and facilities to maintain their (physical) conditions during the lockdown” |
Indonesia, F, 31 | Paragliding (NAT) | “It’s important to check athletes’ programs. Uploading videos on social media will help to boost the spirit to keep practice during the pandemic” |
Iran, F, 32 | Swimming (ST) | “Sports TV shows teaching of Taichi and Yoga, was very useful for me” |
Ireland, M, 60 | Cycling (NAT) | “I found that lockdown is beneficial to my training. Working from home allows me to better manage my training; I have more time to train. Traffic was less, it’s more pleasant to cycle. Overall it has been positive for me” |
Luxembourg, F, 42 | Triathlon (NAT) | “Stopped swimming during confinement but increases cycling training” |
Luxembourg, M, 25 | Handball (INT) | “As a team player, I missed seeing my teammates and the physical contact while playing handball” |
Malaysia, M, 23 | Badminton (ST) | “Injured before lockdown, I have problems in recovery or rehabilitation” |
Malaysia, F, 18 | Sport climbing (INT) | “It’s hard to maintain performance and even harder to improve; especially on the technical side. Physical can still be trained, but specific muscles for climbing cannot be developed or maintained without wall climbing” |
Malaysia, M, 24 | Wheelchair Tennis (INT) | “For elite athletes, to maintain their performance, ideally gather them in a safe and suitable place for training; provide food and medical facilities; plus mini games (PlayStation, snooker, or other indoor games) for them to release stress” |
Malaysia, M, 19 | Hockey (ST) | “I was not able to maintain my pre-lockdown fitness level. The longer this lockdown lasts, the less motivation I have to training and exercise” |
Malaysia, M, 21 | Archery (NAT) | “I do not have time to practice well because there are too many university online classes and assignments” |
Malaysia, M, 21 | Handball (NAT) | “Mental preparation is very important. Also, hopefully that there will be many more virtual applications created for specific or technical training” |
Mauritius, M, 38 | Athletics (WC) | “I found it very hard to motivate myself to train at all, with increased anxiety and disruption to routine being the biggest factors.” |
Nepal, M, 21 | Football (INT) | “Mental health is affected obviously by this lockdown but in the other hand relationship between family members can be improved and mostly with God” |
New Caledonia, F, 32 | Cross Country (INT) | “I was able to devote myself fully to physical activity (previously not possible); exploring and enhancing my physical and mental strengths, and found pleasure and balance during the confinement period” |
New Caledonia, M, 43 | Muay Thai (INT) | “Confinement was a perfect opportunity to do rigorous physical preparation without the stress of everyday life” |
New Zealand, M, 45 | Ironman (NAT) | “Training alone for months without competition has been tough. Felt nervous, I can’t train with anyone in my family (others have siblings). Others might be ahead of me and how that might affect my abilities when we do return to play” |
New Zealand, M, 32 | Judo (ST) | “Lockdown has only impacted endurance. My average cycling was 16.5hr/wk, now it is ∼ 8–9 hrs/wk. Light weight lifting at home has increased” |
New Zealand, F, 19 | Rugby (INT) | “I purchased a smart trainer just prior to lockdown starting, knowing that outdoor cycling would become a criminal offence” |
Norway, F, 21 | Taekwondo (INT) | “I have periodically lost motivation for specific training and have therefore seek other challenges for physical and mental conditioning” |
Norway, F, 20 | Boxing (INT) | “As an amateur athlete, I have been left alone over longer periods. Challenging to practice during such circumstances.” |
Norway, M, | Nordic Combined (WC) | “I have partly taken a time off after the season” |
Norway, M, 24 | Canoeing (WC) | “One extra year without money for training is killing me economically” |
Pakistan, M, 41 | Cricket (ST) | “I found that not having access to rehabilitation facilities has been my frustration during the lockdown” |
Peru, M, 23 | Athletics (INT) | “No support from government institutions during lockdown” |
Philippines, M, 26 | Triathlon (INT) | “Training and in particular racing on Zwift (virtual cycling / running world) helped me a lot to stay motivated; I couldn’t do any swim training at all” |
Philippines, F, 20 | Basketball (ST) | “Maintain a positive outlook, healthy habits, and following safety guidelines protects against COVID-19, and supports our well-being. Despite the challenges, spiritual growth helps us stay resilient and connected with God” |
Philippines, F, 19 | Volleyball (NAT) | “Decided to lower exercise volume and intensity for better health and less immune system stress; aiming for 1 hour daily with a rest day” |
Romania, F, 22 | Handball (NAT) | “Every athlete has likely faced physical and mental challenges, leading to stress and frustration. I recommend post-lockdown meetings with a psychologist for athletes and their core teams, including coaches, for mental well-being” |
Russia, F, 20 | Shooting (NAT) | “To combat viruses, strong immunity from fresh air, exercise, and good nutrition is key. Isolation weakens immunity. Remote coaching doesn’t help; we need competition, communication, and energy exchange; impossible now” |
Scotland, M, 59 | Triathlon (INT) | “My main challenge has been a lack of swim time. Cycling is OK (with Turbo). I need a consistent training for my fitness and technique; if competitions resume, it will be tough, though not impossible” |
Singapore, M, 21 | Ultimate Frisbee (INT) | “Lack of competitions soon anywhere may have restricted strategy towards planning training blocks” |
Singapore, F, 35 | Cycling (INT) | “Online bike racing instead of real life allowed more frequent and sometimes more intense efforts” |
Slovenia, M, 25 | Handball (INT) | “Lack of sports science support” |
Slovenia, F, 22 | Judo (INT) | “I believe that the quarantine will leave long-lasting consequences for all athletes” |
South Africa, F, 31 | Athletics (NAT) | “Health is a priority not sports. It’s our duty to help others as we are more fit than others. Lockdown is important. Sport is not just medals, it’s for happiness. For some people’s, it’s business” |
South Africa, M, 25 | Hockey (INT) | “I believe that more education regarding training is required” |
South Africa, M, 40 | Rugby (NAT) | “Lockdown enabled me to focus on exercise routine like never before. Mental balance is vital. (Every day) I always had a (training) goal in mind” |
South Africa, F, 27 | Netball (ST) | “Had a tendency to over train during lockdown. Had to monitor closely” |
South Africa, M, | Athletics (INT) | “I was able to do speed, speed endurance, and general fitness training (running virtual races); but, unable to do hurdles, jump technique, and throws” |
Spain, M, 50 | Aquatic (INT) | “I think strict lockdown prohibiting daily walks or run will finally kill or affect more people than the COVID-19 itself (physical and mental health! )” |
Spain, M, 39 | Athletics (ST) | “During lockdown, my typical workouts are: 3 days of strength training, two of HIIT and one of light aerobic exercises” |
Spain, M, 18 | Swimming (NAT) | “My sport swimming, it is very difficult to maintain fitness since we do not have the means (pool) to practice the sport” |
Sri Lanka, M, 45 | Shooting (WC) | “Officials from all sporting organisations need to follow up on all individuals who are involved in their organisations during troubled times” |
Switzerland, F, 21 | Athletics (NAT) | “I maintained my usual training volume during the first phase of the lockdown (3 weeks), then I greatly reduced the quality and quantity of training when I learned of the cancellation of competitions” |
Tunisia, M, 21 | Sailing (WC) | “Lockdown didn’t harm my mental health, in fact, benefited my physical well-being, as it gave me a break from studies and more time to devote myself psychologically and physically” |
Tunisia, M, 40 | Football (NAT) | “I think the big concern is not training alone during confinement, but the fear of injuries caused by the excess load” |
Turkey M, 20 | Wrestling (NAT) | “I want to start training again. If the lockdown period prolongs it will cause further injuries when we start training” |
United States, M, 18 | Swimming (NAT) | “I missed my teammates and the motivation that comes along with training alongside them. I’m so sick of my stationary bike” |
United States, M, 20 | Athletics (ST) | “The loneliness experienced during the lockdown made me more motivated in achieving my future goals” |
United States, M, 21 | Cross Country (NAT) | “Good survey… athletes and coaches should take a lesson, ensuring basic equipment readiness for any scenario; adjust training. No more complaints, just work and enjoy all sessions. Cultivate a mind-set to find positivity in adversity” |
United States, M, 19 | American Football (INT) | “Lifting weights in a friend’s garage was essential for maintaining my routine; I have reasonable options. Closed tracks made interval training difficult; but I adjusted my regimen. Adapting mentally to this new routine was challenging” |
United States, F, 52 | Cycling (INT) | “I improved my running by studying my technique on a treadmill with video analysis. This was ideal timing as I was returning from an injury, allowing me to rebuild my running economy and cadence from scratch” |
United States, M, 20 | American Football (INT) | “I worked on improving my running economy and stride frequency through video analysis (on treadmill) during my recovery from injury and lockdown” |
United States, F, 20 | Athletics (WC) | “It’s challenging for unsponsored athletes to maintain communication with coaches due to high data costs, impacting their training. Access for massage and physio was limited; hinders effective recovery; it’s frustrated” |
United States, F, 26 | Athletics (WC) | “Training during lockdown was a motivation to improve your capacity to climb the difficult moment and has a very positive impact on our mentally. This period was a lesson and it will help us to be stronger than any time before” |
Uruguay, M, 31 | Triathlon (NAT) | “My big absence in training was swimming. Previously, I didn’t do strength exercises and now I’m doing it twice a week” |