Beautiful Virgin Islands

Thursday, Jul 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
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
×