Athlete seizes chance to realise Tokyo goal
IT was all a matter of perspective for Tori West in how she dealt with the coronavirus pandemic.
She could sit, wallow, and await a return to competition, or she could use the hiatus to better herself for a push to the Olympic Games.
The 23-year-old heptathlete chose the latter.
With the Tokyo showcase postponed until 2021, the “relative newcomer” to the sport has turned COVID-19 into an opportunity to progress even further and put herself in a stronger frame to crack the Australian team.
Since the health crisis shut down sport across the globe, she has continued working to the point where she has improved considerably in all areas of her discipline.
While she was pushing for the Games this year, the b break could be the difference that turns her dream into a reality.
“I’ve been able to build fitness and I’ve had incredible gains in the last six to eight w weeks – it’s been a really off season,” West said.
“I actually think it’ll give me an advantage, in Australia w we have less restrictions for training compared to Europe and the US.
“You give me another year to train uninjured and just work and work. I know I’m going to improve and only get better and better with each comp. It’s all perspective, I see this as nothing but a huge opportunity for me.”
Competitions have been put on hold in Australia, however West hopes to take part in the North Queensland Championships in Mackay – set for September 26.
Frequent one-on-one sessions with her coach have kept her sharp, and with COVID-19 restrictions beginning to ease in Queensland she will have more resources at her disposal to maintain her push for a maiden Olympics campaign.
The date for the spectacle to begin is July 23 next year, but that has done little to affect West’s preparation.
While she said it was handy to have a definite goal to work towards, she was just seeking to improve each day regardless of the situation.
“The bigger picture here with my training and the event is it’s always about improving because it’s such a tough event,” West said.
“There’s always a weakness to improve on.
“Coronavirus has helped me build a base that will pay off next year.”