OLDS — Local wrestler Danielle Lappage is disappointed with a decision by Canada West, the regional university athletic competition governing body, and Usport, the national body, to cancel all competition and championships for the 2020-21 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, she said that decision won’t affect her chance to compete in the 2021 Summer Olympics because she says she has already qualified for it.
The decision by Canada West and Usport was announced Oct. 15.
In an email, Lappage said she is more frustrated for how that will hurt some of her fellow athletes and added her interaction with them has created “some of the best experiences of my life.”
“I especially feel for fifth-year athletes who are missing out on their senior year. But it was the right choice for the athletes’ health.”
Lappage said she’s still managing to cope during the COVID era.
“I am doing OK,” she wrote. “(It has) been a rollercoaster, as I am sure it has been for everybody.”
Lappage said luckily, the COVID-19 protocols haven’t forced her to change her routine much.
“The university has allowed us to resume normal scheduled practices in their facilities, so it’s all back to normal training," she wrote.
“There are extra cleaning precautions, and symptom checks/sign-ins before every workout, and some minor changes to reduce the chances of getting sick. But beyond that, it's been normal.
“I have been rehabbing an injury, so my training looks a little different right now than my teammates, but I am confident I will make a full comeback for the 2021 season and the Olympic Games. I am already qualified, so the opportunity can’t be missed,” Lappage added.
