Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

Malone still leaping towards Olympic dreams despite mental impact from COVID-19 - BVI News

Malone still leaping towards Olympic dreams despite mental impact from COVID-19 - BVI News

Despite the mental challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Pan American Games gold medalist Chantel Malone remains on track with her goal of winning gold in the long jump event at the Olympic Games which has been rescheduled to 2021.

In a recent interview with BVI News, Malone said the postponement of the Olympic Games, which were originally scheduled for July 2020, has not deterred her from her athletic goals but instead has created a few new challenges which she is adjusting to.

“At one point we didn’t have any facilities to train on due to the stay-at-home order so we did a lot more workouts on the hill and grass fields. We didn’t have the gym to lift so we implemented other body exercises to keep the strength levels up,” the local athlete said.

“It’s all about assessing and adjusting really. We still have struggles … We basically jump a fence every day to practice,” she added.

Mentally affected by pandemic


Malone also said that in addition to the physical challenges faced due to COVID, the pandemic has also affected her mentally with its unpredictable nature.

“I have been struggling with the anxiety of it all but when it’s becoming too much, I turn to music, writing and talking to close friends and family. That usually centres me. When you have questions arise about the stability of your future, what will happen, the financial struggles that the pandemic caused. I mean it’s a lot and the unknown of everything can be very overbearing,” she explained.

She further said: “A lot of people don’t think about the mental side of sports but honestly that has been something that’s really been tested during this pandemic. Training; we get to do that to the best of what we’re offered but the mental part of it that’s internal.”

Advice to the younger athletes – You’re not alone


Malone, who is currently ranked third in the region and 24th in the world, left a message for the local younger athletes who may be experiencing similar feelings and frustrations due to COVID.

“They are not alone. I’m probably considered a veteran in the sport and I’m dealing with the same anxiety about what’s to come. My advice would be to keep your goals close by. Your goals should never falter. You may have to take a different road to get there but ultimately the mission should still be to accomplish that goal.”

“Despite all the odds thrown your way! You can do it! I believe in you. I’ll also advise them to reach out to someone or even one of the older athletes to share their concerns and worries, or even if it’s simply to ask for advice on life or different things that can help them get to where they want to go,” she added.

Malone continues to work with the younger athletes through the BVI Athletics Association’s board as she aims to bridge the gap between the needs and visions of athletes, by assisting with ideas that will help to achieve this goal.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
France Implements Nationwide Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children
German Chancellor Merz Keeps Putin Guessing on Missile Strategy
Mandelson Criticizes UK's 'Fetish' for Abandoning EU Regulations
British Fishing Boat Owner Fined €30,000 by French Authorities
Dutch government falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
×