Beth Dobbin column: Coronavirus has changed everything but my Olympic dream remains in sight

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, athletes learned in March that the competition we had been working towards for our whole lives had been put on hold.

I have wanted to be an Olympian since the age of eight so when I realised the Olympics were postponed I was heartbroken.

It was mixed emotions of feeling like it was the right decision to keep everyone safe while, on the other hand, feeling devastated that the sport I had made so many sacrifices for had been taken away.

Coronavirus put everything into perspective and suddenly sport seemed very trivial.

The most important thing was keeping everyone safe and next year the Olympics will be much safer to host.

It will certainly be more special after everything people have been through this year. Athletes will be itching to get back out there to put on a show for everyone.

Throughout lockdown training was extremely different. Instead of running on the track I had to find a quiet and even field to train on.

Many sprinters were running in car parks and adapting as best they could. My dad and brother helped me build gym equipment and convert my garage into a gym and I spent a long three months training in isolation.

It was difficult knowing what training sessions to do as I had no idea if or when there would be any competition opportunities this year.

Training intensity had to be much lower because, without access to physios, athletes could pick up injuries if we tried to push our bodies to the same extent as usual.

Now athletes are back on the track training is still very limited. The virus has not gone anywhere so we have to train in small groups and for a much shorter amount of time than usual.

Pre-Covid, I would spend five hours, five times a week, at the track whereas now we are only allowed access for two hours three times a week.

Our gym access is also very limited.

Elite athletes are following different guidance to the general public but these restrictions come with a benefit. If a local lockdown is put in place, athletes would be protected and still able to train for next year’s Olympics.

Athletes are having to find a way to make this work so that we can still get the training in that we need to be in our best shape at the Olympics next year.

This has contributed to many athletes, including myself, finding themselves unable to race this season.

The plan for me now is to race indoors at the European Athletics Championships in Poland – Covid permitting. The outdoor season will then begin in May. The British Championships are in June where the qualification process for the Olympics takes place.

I already have the qualification time so 50 per cent of the job is done. I just need to finish in the top two at the British Championships to cement my place.

I am excited to start my preparation for the Olympic Games 2021!