This week, against the backdrop of disappointing, although entirely necessary news that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be postponed until 2021, we’re highlighting some amazing stories of female athletes who are adjusting to the uncertain times.
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In Australia, and around the world, many sportswomen are putting their dreams on hold.
For two-time Olympic long-distance runner and three-time Commonwealth Games athlete Eloise Wellings, it means she’s changing up her training routine while staying home and practising social distancing. She’s using her new treadmill to run 100+ kilometres a week without leaving her garage. As a mum of two, and co-founder of Love Mercy, an organisation empowering communities in Uganda to overcome poverty, she’s got plenty to keep her busy. Read our Q&A with Eloise here.
Georgie Rowe is an Australian rowing champion and despite having only taken up the sport in 2017, she’s also got her sights set on the Tokyo Olympics. For her, the postponement until 2021 has been a positive, giving her new clarity and more time to train. Read this awesome profile, written by Mary Konstantopoulos for The Roar.
And, if you need something to brighten your day, captain of the US soccer team, Megan Rapinoe and WNBA player Sue Bird recently appeared on the JJ Redick Podcast to discuss what it means when athletes speak out. As Rapinoe says, “We are actually at the point now where if you’re not speaking out, then you are saying something.” It’s a great listen, catch it here.
More sporting news in The Wrap below. Until next week.
Madeline Hislop
Editor, The Sporty Wrap
Here’s an overview of the latest sporting stories from around the web
Georgie Rowe-ing her way to Tokyo. Georgie Rowe has already achieved plenty in the sport of rowing, despite only taking it up in 2017, writes Mary Konstantopoulos. Her next goal is the Tokyo Olympics and she says the announcement of its postponement to 2021 is a relief and has given her clarity. She can now focus and push her goal back. The Roar
Super Netballers take huge pay cut to help greater good. Contracted players will take two weeks leave from all club duties from Monday 30 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will then remain at home on “active rest” for seven hours per week for the following three weeks at a 70% reduction in pay. The start of the Super Netball season has been postponed until at least June 30. NSW Swifts
NRLW in limbo after Roosters withdraw from elite women’s competition. The future of the NRLW competition is in serious doubt after two of the four competing clubs pulled the pin on their respective seasons. The Roosters and the Warriors have told the NRL they will not take part in this year’s season as part of cost-cutting measures amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Sydney Morning Herald
Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird on speaking out in sports. The International Olympic Committee has announced it is considering postponing the Tokyo Games, due to start July 24, and will finalise a decision within four weeks as COVID-19 continues to spread. The Ringer
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