Background

The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about an abrupt and dramatic disruption to the lives of individuals all around the world. One study in Italy found an increase in athletes’ perceived stress and dysfunctional psychobiosocial states during the pandemic (DiFronso et al., 2020). Meanwhile, researchers in Portugal found an increase in athletes’ concern over their athletic future (Oliveira et al., 2022). 

Aims

Rather than focusing on negative outcomes, as is done in most previous literature, our study aims to explore the effective ways in which athletes have coped and adapted across the pandemic. By understanding this, we hope to identify positive strategies that athletes could utilize when faced with COVID or other sport-related breaks, such as for injury, or off-seasons.

Method

While data collection is ongoing, seven athletes from a Division I (high-level) university in the United States have been interviewed. Four were tennis players, and three were beach volleyball players; all participants thus far are female. Interviews are designed to last about 15 minutes, and ask the athletes a range of questions regarding their past experience(s) with COVID and other previous interruptions to their training (e.g., injuries).

Results

One theme that emerged from interviews with the tennis players was a reliance on family and friends for social support during the original COVID-19 lockdown. Another common interpretation from all athletes was the opportunity for new hobbies, often related to physical activity. Interviews with the beach volleyball players suggested the importance of adapting workouts and being creative during an interruption, such as switching to at-home yoga. For them, it was also helpful to view the disruption as something that others were also going through, such as teammates.

Conclusion

Results may provide important practical applications for athletes and others experiencing unnatural disruptions to life and daily routines. Turning to social support or enjoying a new hobby may lead one to feel more resilient when returning to activity.