Champion sprinter Jason Smyth taking coronavirus lockdown in his stride

The Eglinton man had already achieved the qualifying time for the Paralympics in Tokyo this August before Covid-19 restrictions delayed the Games until 2021.

Sport has shut down worldwide and athletes are facing the very real prospect of an entire year without being able to compete at the top level.

The main focus for five-time Paralympic gold medalist, Smyth, is about peaking at the right time as he shifts his training schedule towards next summer.

Smyth had already run the qualifying time and that’s expected to secure his place at the rescheduled 2021 Games and so while long term problems should be minimal, there are short-term issues he’s had to adapt to.

Indeed, one of the toughest things about being a top level athlete in lockdown is attempting to maintain a level of fitness and avoiding injury and Smyth has been tailoring his training programme accordingly.

While his usual training hub at The Sport Institute of Northern Ireland is closed, he’s been able to gain access to gym equipment from Athletics Northern Ireland and has set up a makeshift workout area at his house.

Combined with his daily sprints at a nearby track, he’s found it a relatively easy transition.

“It didn’t have any impact on me (delaying Tokyo Paralympics until 2021) as I had already qualified so all my preparation was built towards being ready for August,” said Smyth.

“When you look at athletes who are trying to chase a qualification in this moment of uncertainty, if you are where you need to be or ahead of where you need to be then you’re under less pressure when things go wrong like what’s currently going on.

“But when you’re trying to force something, when things do go wrong it can be very difficult to deal with. So I was fortunate enough I was in that situation.”

The postponement of the summer Games didn’t come as much as a surprise to Smyth given every other sport was falling victim to the ongoing pandemic.

“You were finding it harder and harder to believe the Games were going to happen this summer when you saw other sports and competitions were just being cancelled everywhere.

“You kind of knew something was going to happen but you just have to keep ticking away like nothing has changed. Even though the Games have changed, nothing has really changed in terms of the way I’ll be preparing this year.

“I’m still going to prepare to run fast in the summer. What happens this year sets the foundation of what happens next year.

“People might think we can ease off this year because we’re not under pressure to hit a standard or qualification in the summer but this sets the foundation for next year. So for me it’s about trying to continue to prepare as normal as possible.”

So Smyth is quite content to weather the storm for now but as he attempts to minimise any drop off in fitness levels and avoid injury, he admits there have been plenty of chellenges.

“It’s something all athletes are finding difficult (lockdown). The big challenge is that this isn’t a two or three weeks issue. This could turn into weeks and weeks. So the longer that goes on the more of an impact that has or can have.

“So, as athletes, depending on what sport you do, you have different challenges trying to somewhat maintain where you’re at and minimise the amount you drop off. There’s certainly challenges around that.

“Athletics Northern Ireland have given me a bunch of gym equipment, like Olympic bars, plates, squat racks so I actually have that at my house and I’m using that out in my back garden.

“I also live within a few miles of a track so for my once a day exercise I tend to go to the track on the days I have a running session. So I’m, as much as possible, trying to maintain what I am doing.

“Obviously it’s not the same but I am probably somewhat able to keep things normal compared to other people in other situations. It helps with preparation but mentally it helps to keep somewhat normal. We all know the benefits exercise has on everyone’s mentality.

“This is normally a period where we’re really starting to kick on as we hit the early season. This now turns into a period of maintaining, minimising the drop off and if things change in a month or two, you’re still within touching distance to be able to go on and perform in the summer.

“I suppose the other big risk of this period without support for athletes then becomes, number one, not training but number two, getting injured because we don’t have the support around us.

“That then impacts on what you do over the next weeks and months. At that level we’re trying to get as close to that line to being max or 100 per cent. But that runs the risk of getting injured.

“This whole year and the year and a half leading up to the Games is going to be quite interesting. There’s lots of reasons why athletes can get things wrong by undertraining.

“And for those who do continue training the risk of getting injured increases. Without doubt, it’s tough times for athletes in preparing for the Paralympics next year.”

Does the 12 month lay-off until the Paralympics mean Smyth, at 32 years of age, will be forced into thinking more about life after running?

“Let’s get to Tokyo and then start looking beyond. I’m 33 in July so is another (four year) cycle realistic? I will be 36 or 37 so you generally get where people are past their peak.

“I always thought I would get to Tokyo and see where I’m at then depending on how fast I run. I don’t think another year going to Tokyo will make a big impact. I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been in quite a while.”

Whatever the future holds for the Derry man, he’s determined to go out at the top.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be very successful and you want to pick the right time to leave. I’d also like to get the timing of it right and leave in a high place.”