The coronavirus pandemic has changed everything – and summer training for Short Track Speed Skating is no exception.
Getting on the ice for some laps is out. Going to gyms and national training centers has stopped. And there’s been no chance of cycling in groups.
Our athletes, however, have improvised and overcome. They know that an effective summer can lead to a glorious winter – so they’ve been staying active in any way they can, and sharing the results on Instagram.
For those lucky enough to have space at home, a makeshift gym has often been constructed. Italy’s Arianna Fontana has been training in her garage in Lombardy, lifting car tires. After all, as she says, for skaters, it’s “leg day every day”.
Canada’s Charles Hamelin has been pedaling around the globe – from the comfort of his home in Montreal. “Doing 🚴🏻♂️ on the virtual road indoors means I can ride with friends around the world,” he says.
The Netherlands’ Daan Breeuwsma has been firing his quads by climbing a ladder – all part of the summer renovation of his house. Be careful up there, Daan!
Also in the Netherlands, Suzanne Schulting has been producing some excellent workouts from her flat – including this killer which includes sit-ups, leg raises and planks.
Elise Christie has been extra innovative, piling weights on top of a sled and pulling it round her house in England – past the bins, while the cat looks on. “It’s still training,” she says, adding that she’s been “motivated by lion king Lilly.”
Israel’s Vladislav Bykanov has also shifted workout time into the garden at his home in the Netherlands. He’s even got a wheelbarrow handy for bringing out extra barbell weights.
Canada’s Kim Boutin, meanwhile, has been keeping it simple, doing a lot of running around the block in Montreal, and “since I run as fast as I skate, I make sure to keep my distances!”
Finally, Hungary’s Liu brothers, Shaoang and Shaolin Sandor, have been working as hard as ever, riding an exercise bike on their balcony – but have also taken the time out to demonstrate the most effective way to sneeze in public. Bless you… and stay safe.
