Our lives have changed so much during this pandemic. We can only dream of going back to how it was roughly two years ago. This goes the same for our varsity athletes.
In the past and up until now, the training never stopped. The main difference, though, is the presence of a lull that wasn’t there before. The adrenaline rushing in their veins—feeling the uncertainty of what will take place for that day’s training session—is gone. With the current set-up that the athletes and coaches are put under, the creative activities they used to have, apart from training, are no longer possible.
Though the training continues, the table tennis players haven’t competed in a tournament for more or less two years. From the competitive aura of players to bonding with their teammates, these memories are moments they want to relive. Even the distinct fatigue they used to detest is now something they long for—a sign of reassurance that they gave their best.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the face-to-face setup will always be preferred, especially for table tennis players. Table tennis requires two or more players, a pingpong table, a pingpong paddle, and a ping-pong ball. The ping-pong paddles and balls may be easy to get your hands on during the pandemic, but the challenge the players have to face now is either looking for a partner to practice with when everyone is isolated from one another or getting a proper table to practice on when no one is allowed to leave their homes. These limitations restrict the athletes from improving their performance.
Though there are benefits in the online set-up like having a little more time for schoolwork or not having to brave through the two-hour traffic on the way home three times a week, giving it all up for face-to-face training wouldn’t be a problem.
The pandemic took a toll on everyone, and though athletes are usually mentally strong, they were not exempted from the COVID blues. For some, working out and exercising became a coping mechanism to find stability. For the table tennis varsity team captain, Justine Faith Gaw, their training gave structure to her days and became her coping mechanism against the pandemic blues. Doing something productive gives her a feeling of accomplishment. Although it’s not always easy to push through with the training, the players learned to independently adapt or develop their skills, form, and even themselves. Even with their coach giving them verbal assistance, ultimately, the athletes should be responsible for improving their own performance.
These athletes are living proof that the tough challenges or undesirable situations do not define their capabilities. It is the hard work and dedication to persevere and adapt, despite the difficulties life throws at them, that prove how great they are not only in their sport but also in life.
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