(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha: Three-time Dakar Rally champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (pictured) rarely gets time off from his busy international calendar.
Al Attiyah, who competes in off-road rallies and then takes part in shooting competitions when he can, is however making the most of the enforced break caused by the coronavirus pandemic around the world.
The 2012 London Olympic Games bronze medallist in skeet shooting yesterday said staying fit and focussed will be key to resuming action with a better frame of mind.
"It is important to keep on looking at the positive side of things. As such, I focus on investing this time at home to take a look back at previous competitions and rallies I took part in and how I can make my sportive performance better when we are back into competition mode," Al Attiyah, 49, said in an interview.
The Qatari superstar said: "It is important for everyone to abide by the recommendations from the government to stay home and stay safe for the time being."
Al Attiyah is hoping the situation will be 'under control soon' and things will return to normal.
"We hope this global pandemic will be under control soon and countries and federations will quickly get back to organising rallies and competitions be it the Middle East Rally Championship or the FIA Cross Country Rallies World Cup," Al Attiyah said.
Excerpts from the interview:
Question: Why should everyone pay close attention to Qatar government's advisory on staying at home at a time like this?
Nasser Al Attiyah: It is important for all Qataris and residents to abide by the recommendations from the government to stay home and stay safe for the time being. The government is taking all preventive measures to stop the transmission of the disease, focused on one common goal, the safety and health of all people in Qatar.
Q: Describe your day in self quarantine, what is your daily routine and how are you investing this time at home in something positive?
A: I'm spending my time at home with the family and kids. As for the daily routine, I make sure I have a dedicated time for a home workout every day. I'm also taking this chance to assist my children with their home schooling. Might surprise you that I also love cooking and taking some time to cook some recipes I love and even coming up with new ones.
Q: What is your advice to residents living in Qatar on how to maintain fitness at home?
A: It's extremely important to stay active while in quarantine. Wellbeing is not something we should neglect at all. We can still workout at home if we have some gym equipment available. If not, we can always opt for body weight exercises or be creative in using some home items as substitutes. Sports is very important not only for our physical wellbeing, but also for our mental health as it's a major way to help release the stress we are facing at the moment.
Q: What other activities are you doing at home that you would like to share with your fans?
A: I always make sure to stay connected with the audience and my fellow athletes through my social media platforms, on Instagram and Snapchat and we have our chat groups to share our dailies and keep each other updated.
Q: Since athletes need international competitions to stay in top form, what will you do stay in good form without competition?
A: It is important to keep on looking at the positive side of things. As such, I focus on investing this time at home to take a look back at previous competitions and rallies I took part in and how I can make my sportive performance better when we are back into competition mode.
Q: How did this lockdown and the cancellation and postponement of the 2020 Rally Competitions season affect your preparations for the 2020 season and your ambitions and plans for the year, especially after the strong start with Dakar Rally and winning Oman Rally (MERC) and Qatar Cross Country Rally (FIA CCRWC)?
A: Its only normal that the preventive measure being taken globally now due to CoronaVirus are affecting the sports in general and motorsports for us. However, gratefully, we had started the year on a strong note with the 2nd place at Dakar Rally, first place at Rally of Oman, and first place at Qatar Cross Country Rally. We hope this global pandemic will be under control soon and countries and federations will quickly get back to organising rallies and competitions be it the Middle East Rally Championship or the FIA Cross Country Rallies World Cup.
Q: Is the current period affecting athletes more or other people? If so, how?
A: The pandemic doesn't really differentiate between an athlete and another human. It's a threat that targets us all. That's why all people should take all precautions and preventive measures seriously, make sure to stay clean and healthy, and abide by the governments rules and regulations on the fight against this pandemic.
Q: What are your thoughts on the postponement of the Olympics games?
A: I am definitely a supporter of the decision taken by the International Olympic Committee in regard to the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 to the summer of 2021. This decision stems from the main concern of the IOC with regard to the health and safety of all athletes competing from all countries around the world. It will also provide these athletes with the right and suitable competition environment for the Olympics experience to be a perfect one.
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