Dutch Swimmer Innovates Training with Inflatable Pool During Isolation

Dutch swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal is adapting her training methods during the Covid-19 pandemic by utilizing an inflatable pool. Known for winning a gold medal in the 10K open water event at the 2012 Olympics, van Rouwendaal typically swims around 90 kilometers weekly across ten sessions.

With swim clubs closed, she has devised a unique solution by securing herself with a belt attached to a rope tied to a pole, allowing her to swim laps in the inflatable pool. Despite the cold water limiting her to about 45 minutes of swimming, she remains committed to her training.

The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to summer 2021 has provided athletes like van Rouwendaal with additional time to adjust their training strategies while facilities remain closed. She emphasizes the importance of creativity in finding alternatives to maintain fitness.