Serbian canoe sprinters were working hard in Turkey to prepare in the best way for the upcoming season which was supposed to peak in Tokyo with the Olympic Games. The Covid-19 pandemic turned everything upside down and national team had to return home to Serbia and go to mandatory 14 day self-isolation. Later the government changed the decision and prolonged the quarantine to 28 days.
“At first it was fine and not unusual. I took the opportunity to sleep and get some rest. I did some basic strength trainings, such as push ups and pull ups and paddled on ergometer. For someone whose ambitions are to make great results in the season this of course is not enough. My friends from Bečej really organised themselves and made me happy with making my training conditions better,” said Novaković and explained what happened.
“Džemal Srabović, the owner of the fitness ‘Top Gym’ where I usually train allowed bringing me fitness station where I was able to do more and more serious training. At this moment I can only say, thank you friends,” added Serbian kayaker who missed a lot paddling on the water.
“I was really satisfied with my preparation, everything stopped at the worst possible time. After two years of being lost this year I finally found peace. I am cooperating well with coach, we followed the training plan. We need to stay positive, I hope at least something planned in the calendar will be organised, so that the whole work will not be lost,” he concluded.
Source: Žurnal/Marko Marković
