Star Madibaz swimmers Alaric and Alard Basson are doing all they can to maintain a high level of fitness as they strive to manage the effects of the 21-day Covid-19 lockdown.
The Uitenhage-based twins, 24, were scheduled to have been competing in the South African Olympic trials at this stage, but everything has been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, the Tokyo Olympics organisers postponed the Games to July and August next year, which has affected their training strategy.
“We are a bit on the back foot now,” said Alaric, “and have to completely change our way of training and preparing.”
Madibaz swimming twins Alard (left) and Alaric Basson are working hard to maintain their fitness levels during the 21-day Covid-19 lockdown. Photo: Full Stop Communications
“But we are definitely staying positive by tackling what is in front us and doing what we can. This is not a time for relaxing and laying back.”
Although the Olympics are next year, Alaric, whose specialty is the breaststroke event, said it would still be challenging for them if the SA trials took place this year, possibly in June.
However, with qualifying for the Games his top priority, Alaric said he was focused on staying positive.
“We are trying our best to adapt in this time and come out of it as best we can so that when we get back in the water we are as fit as we can possibly be.
“The Olympics is the ultimate goal so I will continue striving for that.”
An accomplished butterfly exponent, Alard said his goals had not changed.
“I still want to achieve those and while the physical side has been disrupted my focus has not changed.
“Competing in an Olympics is the dream and it is a goal I have been working towards for most of my life.
“To get discouraged now because of the situation we find ourselves in, and letting that affect my preparation, I would be doing myself a great injustice.”
He agreed with Alaric that there would be an unknown factor when they resumed swimming regarding their fitness levels.
“But we are doing the necessary strength training and focusing on getting stronger to put ourselves in the best possible position when we get back into the pool after the lockdown.”