by Alfonz Juck
Coronavirus, photo by Journalist Resource
This is the update from EME News for 27 April 2020, on how the COVID-19 virus affected the sport world.
VIRUS IMPACT
MONACO (MON): World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has said athletes will need at least six or seven weeks to train ahead of a prospective return to competition, informs sports.ru. “Some athletes are still completely isolated and cannot leave their homes for training. It’s not about what they show on social networks that they are doing everything possible. You can keep yourself in shape, but this does not take into account the specifics of a shot put, javelin throw or determination of the nature of a step in hurdling. To return to the competition, you probably need 6 or 7 weeks. It’s not just about keeping fit,” he said.
ROME (ITA): From 4 May, Italian national team members will be allowed to resume training again, informs FIDAL. According to the decree signed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte: “In order to allow the gradual resumption of sports activities, in compliance with priority health protection needs related to the risk of spreading from COVID-19, the training sessions of athletes, professionals and non-professionals – recognised of interest national by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), by the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP) and by their respective federations, in view of their participation in the Olympic Games or national and international events – are allowed, in compliance with the rules of social distancing and without any assembly behind closed doors.”
MADRID (ESP): The Meeting de Madrid on 19 June (World Athletics Continental Tour Silver) has been cancelled, informs RFEA. The decision to cancel the event has been made in agreement with the Madrid City Council and the Community of Madrid.
KINGSTON (JAM): With no major championships set for this season, the time allocated for National Championships in early August by World Athletics could be used in a better way to help athletes prepare for the season should there be one, says Olympic gold medallist Donald Quarrie. Speaking with the Jamaica Observer recently, Quarrie said he would be proposing to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) to forego a National Championships and stage a series of all-comers meets that would be of greater benefit to the athletes who by then might just be getting back to training. Informs Jamaica Observer.
VITEBSK (BLR): A special shot put competition will be held in Belarus in on-line format. Top Belarus putters in different age categories will compete in Vitebsk and Brest on April 30.
