As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to unfold essentially minute-by-minute around the world, one thing we know is that athletes across all sports are off the field, away from the court and out of the pool indefinitely.
Most swimmers already had comprehensive strength and conditioning programs built into their overall training regimens, but they are now forced to rely on just those athletic outlets until they’re able to finally get wet once again.
Besides dryland training, your favorite elite stars are also keeping their minds sharp by catching up on books they’ve been meaning to read, watching their favorite shows, or playing games with their also-quarantined housemates to help pass the time purposefully.
I reached out to several swimmers stationed around the globe to find out what they’re watching, reading, and gaming nowadays. and published round 1 here.
For additional ideas and inspiration, take a look more elite athletes’ favorite activities below.
Luke Greenbank (GBR)
I’d say my favorite TV show is ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ but I also really enjoy shows like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Witcher’.
I’m quite into my video games. My favorites would probably be Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild or Assassin’s Creed.
Jenna Laukkanen (ISL)
I really like to play Yahtzee and watch anything that is on Netflix, basically. Right now I’m watching ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Drive to Survive.’
Ayrton Sweeney (RSA)
We have a few people in our house and we have gotten seriously competitive with our new hobby of badminton. I can’t remember the last time I played outside in the garden with friends, it’s been super fun.
Favorite TV shows would definitely be ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Queen of the South’, ‘Money Heist’ and ‘Schwing Schwing’.
Ali DeLoof (USA)
I like the show ‘Schitt’s Creek’ because it’s a funny show about a family who goes broke and then comes together as a family.
My favorite book is ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens because it’s a coming of age love story and it’s a great read!
Nyls Korstanje (NED)
A big book tip I have is ‘Legacy’ by James Kerr. It’s about the All Blacks and their leadership strategies. Before bed I read a Dutch book called ‘De Hemel Begint bij je Voeten’ by Jandy Nelson. My all-time favorite book is ‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
My favorite game is a board game called The Settlers of Catan, which my family and I play during vacations. The Dutch national team usually has a Catan tournament during training camps and me and my friends at NC State have been playing it too sometimes. Now I play Fortnite with my little brother and Minecraft with a bunch of Wolfpack dudes.
Claudia Hufnagl (AUT)
I love reading in the early mornings. I am currently on the book ‘The Daily Stoic’ by Ryan Holiday. While reading this book I am trying to journal every day to reflect, set new goals and put my thoughts in order.
While having my breakfast I newly love doing crossword puzzles.
Christopher Rothbauer (AUT)
My favorite TV show is ‘Two and a Half Men’ – I could watch it again and again.
At this time my whole family is at home, so we started playing different types of card games – it’s good fun.
But at the moment I’m killing the time by drawing comics – I love it.
Tom Dean (GBR)
Favorite show probably has to be UK’s ‘The Office’ for sure.
I read ‘The Jungle’ by Upton Sinclair recently which was really great and made me really think.
In terms of games with my family, normally rummy or blackjack.
Catie DeLoof (USA)
Favorite book: ‘Little Fires Everywhere’
Favorite game: Ligretto because it is a very simple game but you have to have fast reflexes and always pay attention
Favorite TV show: ‘Elite’
Ethan du Preez (RSA)
One of my favorite movies is ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. I like it because they are people from different backgrounds that band together for one goal and that goal can only be completed if they work together. It might be a different approach to the movie, but it appeals to me.’
Laura Taylor (AUS)
At the moment I’m binge-watching a lot of YouTube traveling vlogs – may as well be living through someone else’s life whilst stuck in isolation.
Also trying to get on top of uni work as this is a good time to pump it out and get to the end of my degree.
Board games? I’m not very good at them as I’m too competitive if I’m losing.
Calum Bain (IRL)
Bananagrams for a board game. TV show would be ‘Rick and Morty’ or ‘Brooklyn 99’.
Kelsi Dahlia (USA)
I love watching ‘Brooklyn 99’ and just finished the second season of ‘Formula 1’ on Netflix.
I start each day reading the Bible and I’m about to start ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ series that I found at my parents’ house.
I’ve been playing Beat Saber on virtual reality for extra cardio, Mexican Train with my siblings and Psych by Ellen with my friends on Zoom.
Michael Gunning (JAM)
Netflix is my go-to recently and I enjoy watching comedy/romance films. ‘Cheers’ has been really insightful to watch, too.
I LOVE all the ‘Harry Potter’ books, but at the minute I’m reading Jonathan Van Ness’ autobiography. I love books that inspire me.
Last year at Worlds I got really addicted to chess, so that’s definitely my favorite board game, along with cards.
Jacob Whittle (GBR)
I don’t necessarily have a favorite show however I am a fan of soaps like Emerdale – I’ve been watching them for a very long time so I am hooked.
I’m currently reading a book about ‘building a traction engine’, which is about vintage steam engines which I have a massive interest in. that’s another thing currently that I’m doing to keep me entertained.
Mona McSharry (IRL)
For shows, I love anything I can binge, like ‘Power’ or ‘Orange Is the New Black.’ My sister and I are currently watching ‘Brooklyn 99’, which is also great.
My favorite games are Ligretto and Memory for sure. I also love doing jigsaw puzzles. I know that’s not really a game, but a great way to spend a couple of hours.’
Alexander Noergaard (DEN)
Through this lockdown period in Denmark I’ve spent a lot of time watching Netflix series. My two fave series are ‘Prison Break’ and ‘Top Boy’. Both series are crazy and I definitely recommend them.
Mikkayla Sheridan (AUS)
I’m a huge ‘Friends’ addict so I can watch that over and over again; it’s also just really good background noise throughout the day. I’ve also been watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’.
For books I’ve always loved ‘It’s Always the Husband’, ‘One of Us is Lying’, ‘Strangers We Know’ and ‘She Was the Quiet One’.
I’ve also been doing lots of coloring and starting playing ‘The Sims’ again when I’m not doing uni work.
Jacob Peters (GBR)
Shows I’m watching at the moment are the new season of ‘Brooklyn 99’ and ‘The 100’.
I’ve also been playing my Xbox with mates to help pass the time. We’ve been playing Cluedo and Monopoly with my mum and younger brother as well.’
But I’ve mainly been occupying my time with keeping fit by cycling, running and skipping, as well as doing home workouts and core circuits each day, as well as playing with my dog, Diesel.
