Adaptation, resilience key for sportsmen, women

By ROBINSON LEKA
ADAPTATION and resilience are key for sportsmen and women amid the Covid-19 pandemic, says 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Pacific Games Council athletes’ representative Ryan Pini.
Pini, who is serving a second term on the council, told The National that although restrictions on sporting facilities was a challenge, it was nothing new to athletes in the Pacific.
“Training doesn’t necessarily have to stop,” said the 38-year-old, who edged former world record holder Michael Klim for gold in the 100m butterfly final in the 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, 14 years ago.
“Athletes have great resilience and can adapt to adversity and we have seen this all over the world with the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics (to next year).
“Our athletes are no different, they have been sharing their new training regime on social media, mostly at home.
“While it is not perfect and some sports or activities can’t be replaced by proper equipment, they are doing the best they can, given the situation.
“Athletes have certainly had challenges with our current circumstance, there are many different issues affecting many different levels of athletes.
“The wellbeing of these athletes is of upmost importance, ensuring they are safe but also managing their state of mind, particularly for those who are dedicated and have sacrificed so much to now have to hold back on their dreams with competitions around the world being delayed.” Pini while sporting activities had been put on hold, it was important that athletes maintain a respectable image among people in their communities during the state of emergency.
“The aim is to be role models in our community and region, providing others with motivation and ways to stay active and healthy.
“In all, the best option for our athletes to train is to adapt their training programmes with anything they can use at home.
“You don’t need fancy equipment — just creativity.”