LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Coronavirus has impacted everything from how we live our daily lives to the economy. But, it also has impacted the sports world.
Kelsi Dahlia, who used to swim for the University of Louisville, took home Olympic Gold in 2016.
Dahlia has had to find time to train for the Olympic Trials this summer. COVID-19 has created a new normal for her like so many other people.
“Everyone has been kind of taking everything day by day,” said Dahlia. “We don’t know how much longer we are going to have pool access. I’ve rented some gym equipment and our garage has turned into a gym.”
Dahlia has also supplemented her daily routine to help keep in shape in other ways. Social distancing has also made her find new ways to get in touch with the team of specialists who help keep her performing at a high level.
“It’s changed just about everything. I haven’t been able to see my massage therapist, and a lot of recovery resources that I normally do are really limited and our pool access has really decreased,” she said. “But, we are all just trying to do the best with what we can.”
One of the specialists that Dahlia turns to is Daryl Williams, a board certified sports specialist at ProRehab in Louisville. He said it takes a village of support to help athletes perform at such a high level like the Olympic Games.
He also said that he has developed a lot of trust and a friend in Dahlia.
“It’s really kind of cool to manage all of those things because we only get to see them perform on TV,” said Williams. “You don’t get to see the behind the scenes action the athlete goes through.”
Dahlia’s advice is to hang onto passions and dreams through these difficult times. She even offered kids a recommendation.
“Find the thing that you are passionate with and surround yourself with the people that are going to love you and help you get there.”