South African swimmer Cameron van der Burgh, who won a gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke category at the 2012 London Olympics, claimed that the Coronavirus is “by far the worst virus” he has ever experienced and that he has been struggling with Covid-19 for the last 14 days. The retired athlete took to twitter on Sunday to relay his current condition.
“By far the worst virus I have ever endured despite being a healthy individual with strong lungs (no smoking/sport), living a healthy lifestyle and being young (least at risk demographic),” the 31-year-old tweeted.
Although he passed through the worst symptoms of the disease, (severe fever and pneumonia) Van der Burgh claimed that he’s still struggling with serious fatigue and a residual cough.
2/ I have been struggling with Covid-19 for 14 days today. By far the worst virus I have ever endured despite being a healthy individual with strong lungs(no smoking/sport), living a healthy lifestyle and being young (least at risk demographic)
— Cameron van der Burgh (@Cameronvdburgh) March 22, 2020
“Any physical activity like walking leaves me exhausted for hours,” said the Olympic champion.
He then advised to stay healthy and safe specifically the athletes, writing, “The loss in body conditioning has been immense and can only feel for the athletes that contract Covid-19 as they will suffer a great loss of current conditioning through the last training cycle.”
“Athletes will continue to train as there is no clarification re summer Games and thus are exposing themselves to unnecessary risk,”
“And those that do contract will try rush back to training most likely enhancing/extending the damage/recovery time. Please, look after yourself everyone! Health comes first – COVID-19 is no joke!” he added.
4/ The loss in body conditioning has been immense and can only feel for the athletes that contract Covid-19 as they will suffer a great loss of current conditioning through the last training cycle. Infection closer to competition being the worst.
— Cameron van der Burgh (@Cameronvdburgh) March 22, 2020
6/ Please, look after yourself everyone! Health comes first – COVID-19 is no joke!
— Cameron van der Burgh (@Cameronvdburgh) March 22, 2020
Meanwhile, The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Sunday, admitted that the Tokyo Olympics might be postponed to a later date.
The IOC also stated that it will begin discussions with the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and Japanese officials about the postponement of the quadrennial tournament.
In a press release, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee said that the governing body’s members will make a final determination within four weeks,
“I know that this unprecedented situation leaves many of your questions open. I also know that this rational approach may not be in line with the emotions many of you have to go through. Therefore, as we try to address your situation and the questions you may have about your training, your qualification systems and your participation in the Games, we encourage you to keep an eye out for updates on Athlete365, but also to stay in close contact with your NOCs and National Federations.”
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