Pimms enjoys a hack with Aunty Soph!
Wow I can’t believe how much has changed in just the few weeks since my last post was written. An Olympic Games has never been postponed before, but it has been confirmed that Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics have been postponed until the summer of 2021. Arguably the right (and only) decision that could have been made with the severity of everything that is happening, health always comes first and I’m sure competitors around the world are grateful for the decision being made sooner rather than later. Whilst some will be grateful for the extra year of training, for others it will be a challenge as we have both rider and horse fitness to take into consideration. After what felt like endless months of rain and a successful start to the season it felt particularly galling that as things started to fall into place, the sun came out and the season was about to get started, our year was effectively cancelled. Until dates for both this year and next are confirmed and we are safe to get back out and continue with life as we know it, we have to adapt, adjust and make the best of the situation we are in and whilst we remain safe and healthy that is something to be grateful about.
I am lucky in that I am still able to work remotely from home, which gives me some form of normality, but with the sudden reduction of riding and the absence of a swimming pool, I’m working hard to maintain my fitness levels. Although the lack of plans and uncertainty is a challenge mentally, it does provide the opportunity to step back, slow down, appreciate the smaller things and enjoy being ‘present’. I’m sure many of us are used to leading hectic lives, thinking about the next thing you need to do before you’ve finished what you’re doing at the time. The uncertainty of the current situation makes that process difficult and as such you’re almost forced to live more in the moment. With our physical health at risk, it is important not to overlook the effects on mental health, which can often be magnified during these stressful times. I’ve seen negative comments about athletes who are upset about Tokyo being postponed and it’s true, sport is not the biggest priority right now. However, athletes spend years planning for the biggest competition in the world, campaigns are made working backwards to ensure that you’re as prepared as possible in order to peak at a certain time in a certain year. Lives are put on hold to revolve around competition dates or training camps, it’s your income, your passion and your identity and the biggest thing you have put towards this dream is the only thing you can never get back... time. Hopefully we can all come out the other side with a greater appreciation for each other, the roles we play and compassion for the challenges we have faced and overcome, together.
There is a quote that says: “If you’re anxious you’re living in the future and if you’re at peace you’re living in the present” and it couldn’t be more apt for what we’re experiencing at the moment. Keep well everyone.