At the beginning of this crisis, sports fans across the world were confronted with cancellation after cancellation. Big sports entities such as the NBA and the MLB canceled games until further notice, while local sports clubs and gyms prohibited all practices, workouts, and games. However, virtual fitness is booming, as many are using this time for getting into shape. With this shift, what does COVID-19 mean for the world of sports? Will we ever see a 2020 season?
Some soccer clubs have suspended their seasons for the rest of the year, while others have plans to start again in the near future. All major competitions have been either canceled or postponed. However, it is not only 2020 that is going to be affected by this crisis. It is reported that this pandemic will likely create issues for the next two or three years, even creating a possible impact on the 2022 World Cup. The Tour de France, the Kentucky Derby, and the Olympics have all been postponed. Wimbledon has been canceled for the first time in its history since World War II (ESPN).
In Switzerland, gyms are reopening step by step. For example, tennis and badminton courts are now open for singles. Pools are allowed to open but only for lap swimming. Local clubs are allowed to practice, but with five athletes maximum. Competitions are still prohibited (Canton de Vaud). Evidently, contact is still strictly prohibited, so this will be difficult for sports such as basketball and rugby, where contact is inevitable. Other European countries are following similarly and only time will tell if more restrictions will be lifted. On the other hand, some countries are still struggling to control the crisis, meaning that sports and fitness in gyms will be put on hold for the time being.
Even though some gyms may be closed or restricted, for the time being, this does not mean that people are not using this extra time to stay in shape or start a new fitness plan! Fitness Youtube videos are more popular than ever, coaches are providing virtual training plans, and people are trying new activities such as running and biking. What this crisis has shown us is that sports and individual fitness are still possible; we just have to get creative and try out new ways to stay active.
Overall, it is difficult to imagine how team sports will continue this year. It is likely that strict testing of all the athletes will take place, and games will occur without fans. Not all news is negative though; a positive aspect of this crisis is the boom of remote training and coaching. As many are hesitant to leave their houses or they are not able to because of restrictions, e-coaching and e-training are on the rise. Now is the time to jump into the world of e-coaching. Want to learn more? Contact us here: https://www.katapultapp.net/contact-us.
Sources:
Canton de Vaud. “Coronavirus : Informations Au Sport Vaudois: État De Vaud.”
Accessed May 11, 2020. https://www.vd.ch/themes/population/sport/coronavirus-informations-au-sport-vaudois/#c2062493.
ESPN. “Coronavirus Cancellations and Reactions in Sports.” ESPN. ESPN Internet
Ventures, May 8, 2020. https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/28871525/coronavirus-cancellations-reactions-sports.
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