`Hearts got broken`: UNC Olympic hopefuls reflect after postponed Trials

.....With UNC`s training facilities shut down, gyms and pools closed and a quarantine in place for some of the summer, athletes had to get creative to keep up with their training. Falling behind physically wasn’t an option, so finding unique workouts that could be done inside was necessary. Countie had to get used to being out of a pool, while Shippee and Wiltrout had to figure out how to advance in their training without a large field at their disposal.

With the trials being pushed back a full calendar year, staying focused was difficult — each athlete talked about how they leaned on their coaches and teammates for support. Weekly Zoom calls with coaching staff and individual teammates made the process of training at home feel a little less strange, Countie said.

But the physical training was just one part. The mental aspect was a whole other challenge.

“It was hard without the sport,” Countie said. “I went through a rough patch not being able to train and losing that part of my identity as a college athlete. Swimming is basically our lives at this school because we train 20 hours a week.”

Countie, Shippee and Wiltrout all said they struggled with staying mentally sharp. But they said they took steps to take care of their mental health, including taking necessary vacations and focusing on a more optimistic outlook.....

   ...more

Bethany`s Notes: Olympic hopefuls talk about the challenges they faced as their opportunity to qualify gets postponed until next summer.