The COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed yet again, and as at August 30, 2020, there was a total of 41 deaths. The 6pm—6am curfew has been reinstituted, and, to the natural eye, it seems as though athletes are in for the long haul in 2020.
Emerson Campbell
Many have seen the restart of cricket at some clubs on the West Coast of Demerara, but that lasted for only one day, as escalation in the number of cases caused all sporting activities to again be shut down.
In general, the pandemic has affected contact sports more than other sports, like chess and archery. ‘Athletes’ in those sporting disciplines are not so much affected, as they can compete in online tournaments and, to some effect, keep their rhythm intact.
Sports such as bodybuilding, powerlifting, cricket, volleyball, and rugby have seen no action in more than 5 months, and this can affect the athletes mentally.
In a quest to find out how the pandemic has affected athletes, this publication sat down with bodybuilder Emerson Campbell and asked him a series of questions. Campbell is a Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and National Sports Commission (NSC) Sports Journalist of the Year. Besides, he is a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist; a CAC silver and bronze medalist (Dominican Republic and Mexico); four times Mr. Guyana Men’s Physique Champion; three times Stage of Champions Men’s Physique Champion; and Darcy Beckles Silver Medalist (Barbados).
Q: How is the pandemic affecting you at the moment?
A: It has affected me immensely. The gyms are closed, and working out at the gym has been a big part of my routine for the better part of two decades. Not only has the physical aspect of not working out affected me, but, most importantly, the mental aspect. The gym has been very therapeutic and has been a big part of my mental health over the years. I’m also a personal trainer, so the closure of the gyms due to the pandemic has also impacted me financially.
Q: Because of the measures in place now, what have you done to substitute your training?
A: I don’t quite understand how countries which are far more affected by the virus have gyms open, but the gyms here are still shuttered, although bars and strip clubs are operating. It’s quite nonsensical.
Basically, I’m just doing free hand exercises at home, which I’m already bored doing. I like to feel and lift heavy weights, and I like the atmosphere of throwing around dumbbells in the gym with my buddies. The feeling is euphoric.
Q: What has this pandemic taught you, and how have you grown?
A: The pandemic has taught me to expect the unexpected and to be thankful for life. It has also taught me that health is wealth, and peace of mind is the real bag.
Q: What goal are you currently working towards?
A: Currently, all my goals are centred around being a well-rounded person: being a better friend, family member, boyfriend. At the end of the day, family and friends and your support system are what’s most important, especially during this testing period. I’m also learning to speak Spanish better.
Q: What’s one thing that you have bettered yourself in during this lockdown?
A: I think I’ve become better at being patient. The pandemic has forced me to exercise a lot of patience I didn’t know I possessed.
Q: And to your supporters and sponsors, what do you want to say?
A: We are all in this together, and we have all been impacted negatively by the pandemic. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this period. It’s temporary.
