Red Deer's Tammy Cunnington, seen here at Olympic and Paralympic Trials in April 2016. (Scott Grant)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

adapting with covid-19

Cunnington continuing prep for 2020 Paralympics despite risk of cancellation

Mar 14, 2020 | 1:11 PM

A Canadian Paralympian from Red Deer says it would certainly be strange to perform at the Paralympics without fans.

That is to say, Tammy Cunnington admits, if the Paralympics and Olympics even take place this summer in Tokyo, Japan. The Games remain scheduled to occur from late July to early September despite the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Cunnington, who competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio, Brazil, got word Friday that Swimming Canada has postponed its trials scheduled for the end of March in Toronto. The trials exist to help select who will represent Canada at the Games.

A final decision on when or if the trials can be held at a later date will be determined by April 21, Swimming Canada says.

“I trained all last season but didn’t compete at world championships. I then decided to take a year away from the national team, but in September, I started back full-on getting ready for trials,” says Cunnington, who supports Swimming Canada’s decision.

Prevention, Access, Recovery, and Coordination

Safe Harbour officially hands over shelter keys, establishes accessible navigation hub

15h ago

lacombe and sylvan lake

December 2025 (un)employment data released for Alberta sub-regions

16h ago

21 years with WCPS

Darcy Blum appointed principal of Lacombe Outreach School

17h ago

“I would understand if the Games were cancelled because I believe the social responsibility to keep everyone safe and healthy should take priority. But when we live our lives in these four-year increments so that we can have a chance at the dream we’ve been working towards, it would definitely be challenging and disappointing.”

A paraplegic, Cunnington’s interaction with other swimmers has been limited as of late because everyone is doing the usual routine of staying in their own bubble ahead of trials.

“Nobody wants to get even a regular cold two weeks before trials, so we’re all trying to stay out of the danger zones.”

As for competing in front of empty bleachers at the world’s largest sporting event, she believes the atmosphere would make for quite the unique experience.

“We do work really hard through training as elite athletes to be adaptable and prepared, and only worry about the things we can control,” she says. “I would still prep like always, and then go compete to my very best ability regardless of who’s watching.”

Cunnington was scheduled to compete in the 50 metre breaststroke, 50 metre backstroke and 150 metre individual medley at trials, with the 150 IM being her key event.