Pictured: Setyana Mapasa, Australia. Photo credit: Badminton Photo
As the world copes with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, athletes across the globe are learning to cope with the new, unforeseen circumstances which will shape their future careers.
The International Olympic Committee has yet to make a decision on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, following their official statement released last week. Meanwhile, many National Olympic Committee’s calling for a postponement.
Among the players affected, Australia’s Olympic hopeful Setyana Mapasa, has recently been discharged from surgery, who is now balancing the recovery phase with the added pressure of COVID-19.
After winning last month’s VICTOR Oceania Championships 2020 with women’s doubles partner, Gronya Somerville, the pair were scheduled to compete in the YONEX All England Open 2020 – one of the few tournaments to take place over the last four weeks due to the viral outbreak.
The women’s doubles duo was looking for another boost to their already impressive high of 26 in the BWF world rankings. However, Setyana had to sacrifice the opportunity to undertake surgery as she eyes up the potential of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
“Having an injury and then going through another surgery , obviously is not easy for me, but I am grateful and happy with my recovery”, says Setyana.
Little did Mapasa know, that by the time she was able to step back on to the court, venues would be closing and players would have to adapt their trainings in ways previously unthought of.
“It is quite disheartening to hear what is happening at the moment. However, I’m trying to keep myself motivated , stay positive, and focus on my goal for the Olympics”
“These days I’m trying to keep my body healthy and fit. Little by little, step by step, I will be doing exercises at home”, says Mapasa.
Many players are taking to their gardens and living rooms to practice racket skills and movements. Everyone is encouraged to be part of the movement and share their videos on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #BadmintonAtHome – check out some of the examples here.
Badminton Oceania will continue to update the badminton world with the latest development affecting COVID-19, the Olympic Games and badminton on our website and Facebook page.
