Home training, basic hygiene priority for athletes, says Toua

TRAINING from home and practising basic hygiene should now be a priority for athletes and coaches, says Pacific Games gold medallist Dika Toua.
Stranded in Noumea, New Caledonia, following travel restrictions, she said athletes needed to be mindful of the coronavirus and the risks associated with the pandemic.
“Just like every other sports, weightlifting athletes are at risk unless they are careful and keep to themselves,” Toua said.
“The virus is dangerous and kills if we do not look after ourselves and keep our distance.
“It’s best to train at home and if you have your own gym equipment then train in your own back yard until normalcy is restored.
“But I doubt it will happen anytime soon because it will take a while to control the virus.
“With regards to the lifters back home, I can’t comment on them but I am sure they are also training while maintaining social distancing and their hygiene.”
Toua said it was important that government directives were followed while training during the state of emergency, however, athletes would have to get used to it.
The 35-year-old and fellow weightlifter Morea Baru remain in lockdown in Noumea after they competed at the Australia Weightlifting Championships in February.
The Hanuabada pair claimed gold at the tournament with Toua winning the women’s 49kg and Baru topping the men’s 61kg.