This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
On November 4, 2018, Geoffrey Kamworor was in action at the New York City Marathon, showcasing his impressive skills alongside Ethiopian athletes Lelisa Desisa and Shura Kitata. [REUTERS/Darren Ornitz]
Fast forward to the present, Kamworor has expressed regret over the timing of the pandemic, which disrupted his training. Speaking during a webinar hosted by the National Olympic Committee- Kenya (NOC-K), he stated, “I was in top shape when Covid-19 struck. Staying at home is a major challenge and requires a lot of discipline. I am training alone back at home just to keep fit and I expect to come back stronger when competition resumes…Expect great results guys.”
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Kamworor has maintained his routine, ensuring that his diet remains balanced. He shared, “I haven’t made changes to my diet. I have maintained the same diet I follow when preparing for competition.”
However, not all athletes have been as fortunate. Boxer Elizabeth Andiego, who represented Kenya at the 2012 London Olympics, has struggled to maintain her diet program due to the pandemic. She noted, “I have not been too strict with my diet because we don’t have any competitions on the horizon.”
Nutritionists Erick Kihugwa and Mercy Barwecho emphasized the importance of nutrition for athletes during this period of inactivity. Barwecho stated, “At the most basic level, nutrition is important for athletes because it provides a source of energy required to perform. The food we eat impacts on our strength, training, performance and recovery.”
