Kng Zheng Guan
MALAYSIAN squash legend Nicol David and gymnastics star Farah Ann Hadi took to Instagram to share a bit of their daily routines staying at home whilst also offering words of support to fellow athletes affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many of the athletes have been hit badly by the plague amid the Movement Control Order (MCO) while the international sporting calendar came to an abrupt halt.
To stay positive during these troubled times, retired eight-time world champion Nicol broadcast an Instagram live session with Olympic-bound gymnast Farah on Wednesday.
Nicol, 36, who is currently in Colombia where the South American nation is also under quarantine until April 26, urged athletes to keep themselves active at home in order to get through this challenging period.
“As a former athlete, I can relate to what athletes are going through right now but this is also a good time for them to learn how to keep calm and plan things ahead,” said Nicol during the session.
“It is also a really good time to catch up on some rest, spend time with family and most importantly, stay healthy and positive.
“I think athletes have been doing great coping with the MCO as we can see on social media.
“What’s most important is that they remain positive and keep their focus to get back on track when all this is over.”
The 25-year-old Farah, who was preparing for the Tokyo Olympics this year before it was postponed to 2021, also echoed Nicol’s sentiments.
“Initially when we first came under the MCO, I was a little worried for my preparations for the Olympics and then I was sad at first, when the Olympics were postponed,” said Farah.
“But in hindsight, I think postponing the Olympics to 2021 was the best decision made because I wouldn’t have been able to perform at my best if there is the worry over the safety of my family.
“Now I just hope everyone stays healthy and safe.
“We have a new year to think about and also an amazing Olympics in 2021 to look forward to.
“Of course this lockdown period also taught me to cherish the things that I already have, be a bit more grateful in life and to be nicer and friendlier to friends and family,” added Farah.
Farah, who is the first Malaysian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics in 20 years, will certainly have more time to prepare for the Games.
And she will have a supporter cheering for her by the sidelines next year in Nicol who has pledged to keep supporting fellow Malaysians in their Olympic dreams.