Once again, athletes are the forgotten ones of the lockdown

After a first lockdown period where regular or occasional athletes seen running in the streets were singled out and accused of being selfish, we will have to deal with this second wave and a new lockdown that we cannot imagine lasting only four weeks. Leaving home to exercise will once again be very limited (one hour within a one-kilometer radius), even though large stores and public transport remain open. An absurd decision for the mental and physical health of millions of French people.

By the editorial staff – Photos: Pixnio.com, PxHere.com, CC0 Public Domain, JFT / DR

Should all these experienced runners, as well as those temporarily initiated, be singled out on the pretext that they would not be participating in the Nation’s effort to fight against Covid-19? In any case, by resuming the exit modalities of the first lockdown for athletes with the one-kilometer and one-hour maximum rule, the government seems to disregard the mental and physical health of millions of French people who regularly practice sports, despite this second wave that we saw coming as early as July.
Gyms, weight rooms, dance studios, and swimming pools are closed (except for schoolchildren). As for cycling, its practice will be severely limited by this absurd 1-kilometer limit around the home. However, this is an improvement compared to Act 1 of the lockdown, where some Prefects had even prohibited it, supported in this by the recommendations of the French Cycling Federation. What an irony!At the same time, to support the economy, the government encourages the population to continue working (teleworking is not always accessible for all professions), leaves public transport open, and especially many large stores. Our compatriots must therefore work and consume, but avoid all forms of leisure, even those intended to keep them in good health.

However, many doctors and epidemiologists emphasize the importance of physical activity for strengthening immune defenses against a pandemic. Many specialists also warn about the risks of collateral damage related to possible depressions, malaise, and suicides as a result of a lockdown.

Sports practice must, of course, be supervised during a pandemic, but should be encouraged to strengthen the morale and health of the population, as is done in other countries such as Germany or Belgium.

Regarding cycling, there are approximately 3.6 million regular sports cyclists in France (at least once a week, not counting utility cycling). 92% of these cyclists practice cycling independently, without a club and without being licensed. The government’s decision to stick to this absurd rule is therefore not understood, even if it has the advantage of falling in autumn, and not in spring.

Of course, there is still the option of riding on an indoor trainer, even if the practice is not always satisfactory.

Why running?

Did you know that normally, almost 1 in 4 French people run? Yes, that’s almost 14 million more or less regular joggers or runners, while others swim, play football, hit a racket, cycle, lift weights, and a whole host of other sports activities that occupy leisure time and fuel a need for exercise. Due to the lockdown, swimming pools, gyms, collective sports fields, stadiums, and tennis courts are closed.