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Coronavirus shutdown: Here’s how sports stars are keeping busy

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Today marks a week since the government announced a ban on mass gatherings across the UK in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

A week later and as people continue to adapt to the reality of social distancing and self-isolation, Covid-19 has subsequently decimated the sporting schedule.

Euro 2020, the Six Nations, the Masters and the London Marathon are just a few of the major sporting events that have been affected so far.

Suspensions to domestic football worldwide as well as the cancellation of numerous tennis competitions and cricket series’ have provided further disruption.

As a result, many sports athletes across the world have been forced to keep themselves busy and entertained with their new-found free time.

Here’s a look at what some of them have been up to…

 

Picking up a new hobby 

In the United States, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been busy playing guitar – albeit questionably.

The reigning MVP was recorded by girlfriend Mariah Danae playing Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water, with the Milwaukee Bucks ace commenting: “If anyone wants a guitarist for their group, I’m free.”

https://twitter.com/mariahdanae15/status/1239003226139250693

Lewis Hamilton also found a different way to spend his time after the start of the F1 season was delayed.

https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1238772653181321222

No equipment, no problem

As demonstrated by Manchester City’s David Silva, in times like these you often have to make do with the ‘equipment’ readily available to you.

Australian tennis player John Millman similarly received special assistance as he worked to maintain his fitness with the ATP and WTA schedule suspended for the foreseeable future.

https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1240623762887901185

However, the best (and most definitely, excitable) workout partner surely has to be Chelsea’s Maria Thorisdottir’s furry companion.

https://twitter.com/ChelseaFCW/status/1240288675289804801

That’s just showing off…

Olympic gold medallist and major winner Justin Rose continued to work on his short game despite being restricted to the surroundings of his home.

https://twitter.com/JustinRose99/status/1240297880449159171

Darts ace Fallon Sherrock attempted and completed the three bullseye challenge in impressive fashion.

https://twitter.com/Fsherrock/status/1240604240969637891

Milner. James Milner.

This man deserves his own section.

A jack of all trades, only one man could make measuring grass and rationing tea bags a compelling watch.

I’ll let the videos do the talking.

https://twitter.com/JamesMilner/status/1239954319425720320

https://twitter.com/JamesMilner/status/1239283281297903616

Keep it up

And finally, the #stayathomechallenge – basically keepy upps with a toilet roll.

Here are a few of my personal favourites.

https://twitter.com/ChelseaFCW/status/1240691700873347072

https://twitter.com/EuropeanTour/status/1239250781318021121

https://twitter.com/JB17Official/status/1240163037887238144

 

Author

  • Danny Clark

    Danny, 23, is a graduate from his home city of Cardiff where he completed an undergraduate degree in Sport and Social Sciences. Born and raised in Wales, Danny’s main sporting passions are tennis, football and rugby union. Being a student in Cardiff for three years Danny was able to regularly attend high profile sporting events in the Welsh capital. Now keen to turn his passion for sport into a full-time profession, Danny is excited to develop and showcase his writing skills within the ever-changing sphere of sports journalism. Follow him on twitter: dannyclark96

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