The COVID – 19 pandemic has been a thorn in the aspirations of many pro and aspiring pro athletes.
It forced the cancellation of a number of international sports events, some of which have since resumed under stringent safety guidelines such as bio secure venues.
However, disappointment must be brewing for those on Guyana’s female national table tennis team who were anticipating displaying their craft at the 2020 World Teams Table Tennis Championships in Busan, South Korea.
The world event, for which Guyana’s women’s team of Trenace Lowe, Chelsea Edghill and Natalie Cummings historically qualified, was cancelled in March due to the pandemic.
Former 13 years and under and under-21 Caribbean Table Tennis champion, Edghill, who was expected to play a pivotal role in Guyana’s showing, had told Stabroek Sport that her spirit was not jolted by the postponement, citing the importance of safety for athletes and officials.
Nearly five months later, Edghill, who is currently in Portugal, is chiming the same tune.
“Frustration hasn’t been stepping in,” Edghill said when asked whether she is mentally affected by the pandemic which has been a hindrance to Guyana’s participation at the Korean event and the advancement of her pro career.
She still believes that the overall safety of everyone t rumps any individual aspirations.
“The main focus remains the health of athletes and players and the safety of those around you,” she said.
“Before the lockdown, we [Her European Club] were in the middle of the tennis season and it was much harder but nevertheless my team advanced to the first division which was the goal we set out to achieve last season. As of right now, I’m able to practice but tournaments have been cancelled until further notice.”
Edghill said the time away from the sport has been daunting, noting that she found the time ideal for self-reflection and physical workouts at home.
She believes this will land her in good stead as she prepares to resume training on Monday ahead of the new season which is tentatively scheduled to commence in September.
