The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on High Performance

Secondary School Student-Athletes

thesportjournal.org/article/the-impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-high-performance-secondary-school-student-athletes

July 22, 2020

Author: Isabella Q. Liu1

1John McCrae Secondary School, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Corresponding Author:
Isabella Q. Liu
P.O. Box 34102, 3781 Strandherd Drive
Ottawa, ON, Canada, K2J 5B1
isabellaqqliu@hotmail.com
613-825-6788

Isabella Liu is a rising senior student in the High Performance Athlete Program at John
McCrae Secondary School in Ottawa, Canada. She has been doing artistic swimming for the
past nine years, and is currently training with GO Capital Synchro Club’s national-stream
program. She was a member of the 2019 Ontario Artistic Swimming Junior Provincial Team
and competed with them at the 2019 UANA Pan American Artistic Swimming
Championships.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a worldwide disruption of the sporting
industry. Secondary school student-athletes, as a distinct population, are facing unique social
and academic challenges. It is important to identify some of the unique challenges this
population currently faces, and understand where our student-athletes are at mentally and
physically. This is in order to ensure their needs are addressed, and the health and wellbeing
of this population is protected. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on Canadian high performance secondary school student-athletes.

Methods: On April 29, 2020, six weeks after a lockdown was imposed in Ontario, Canada, a
Google Forms online survey was sent out to local secondary school students participating in
high performance sports to collect data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their
sports and themselves.

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Results: In 24 hours, 115 surveys were completed. The median age of respondents was
16/17, with 66 (57.4%) females and 49 (42.6%) males. 93% of respondents had at least one
cancellation or postponement of important competitions or meets due to the COVID-19
outbreak. The athletes reported negative psychological impacts from the pandemic, with
90.5% expressing feelings of isolation and disconnection and 79.1% having feelings of
anxiety, depression, and frustration. 86.1% of the respondents identified a worry for a loss of
fitness during this time, with 91.3% concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
on their next season. Nonetheless, 84.3% of the respondents still plan to return to training
once the pandemic is over, and 74.8% believe they can catch up to their previous
strength/technical level after the pandemic.

Conclusions: Findings of this study suggests that more attention should be paid to
secondary school student-athletes, as they are young and tackling both academic and
athletic challenges.Student-athletes should be provided additional mental health support
during this maelstrom of changes. Specific in-home virtual training during COVID-19
outbreak may be further strengthened and improved to protect the mental health of the
athletes, especially to reduce the risk of anxiety and depression.

Key Words: COVID-19, sport, athlete, student, training, mental health , lockdown

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new respiratory infection outbreak that started in
China in December of 2019 (1). As of March 2020, COVID-19 has become a global
pandemic (2), which has resulted in a maelstrom across the globe, bringing the world to a
standstill. Various social and physical distancing measures have been introduced by the
authorities including: lockdowns of non-essential businesses, closings of schools,
universities, and bans on travel, cultural and sporting events as well as social gatherings (3,
4).

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only disrupted many regular aspects of life, but also led to
a halt of athletic competitions worldwide. The sporting industry has seen the postponement
and cancellation of sporting events at regional, national, and international levels. The
Olympics and Paralympics have been postponed for the first time in the history of the
modern games, and will instead be held in 2021 (5). The subsequent restrictions on group
training due to social distancing measures, closure of training facilities and loss of face-to-
face access to coaches and support personnel has caused uncertainty and immense stress,
anxiety and frustration among the athletes (6).

Student-athletes, as a distinct population who are constantly facing unique social and
academic challenges, are at an increased risk for developmental and psychological problems
that may later result in several stressors during their athletic careers (7). With the COVID-19
pandemic crisis forcing schools to close and athletic seasons being cut short or cancelled
with future training uncertain, it is important to identify some of the unique challenges this

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population currently faces. It is also imperative that the mental and physical position of
student-athletes is understood, in order to ensure their needs are addressed, and the health
and wellbeing of this population is protected.

In this survey study, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 on Canadian high
performance student-athletes through the grades 9-12. Specifically, we assessed concerns
regarding the current competition season, possible psychological impacts due to COVID-19,
and individual actions that have been taken in response to the pandemic.

METHODS

The author of the current report employed a convenient sampling method by using an online
survey. On April 29, 2020, six weeks after a lockdown was imposed in Ontario, Canada, an
online survey was sent out to local secondary school students participating in high
performance sports to collect data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their sports
and themselves. It was ensured that only students that fit the “high performance athlete”
category (either 15+ hours of training a week or a certain level of competition) were allowed
to respond. Consent was obtained from the participants, and no personal information was
collected.

A link to the online Google Form survey was distributed to a convenience sample of student-
athletes via the social media apps Snapchat and Instagram, on 29 April to 30 April 2020.
Although data from social media platforms do not warrant the validity and representativeness
of the population (8), it was deemed appropriate for understanding public perceptions during
time-sensitive events where a rapid analysis is needed.

A cross-sectional survey was designed, based on the perspectives of secondary school

student-athletes, regarding the feelings, concerns, and challenges they experienced during
the lockdown period. The structured questionnaire consisted of 25 closed-ended questions.
In addition to demographic data relating to grade, gender, team/individual sport, training
hours prior to pandemic, competition years/level, the author included additional questions
that were tailor-made for the secondary school student-athletes facing the COVID-19
outbreak, which covered several areas (1) direct impact from the COVID-19 pandemic on the
current season (competitions/meets cancellation or postponement, current training status,
involvement in other physical activities); (2) psychological impacts (isolation, fear, frustration,
lack of initiative), and (3) sport-related concerns (loss of fitness and physical preparedness,
competitive disadvantage, and concern for the following season). The participants were also
asked how they were coping with the pandemic and whether their lifestyle would change
after the pandemic.

RESULTS

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In 24 hours, between April 29 and 30, 2020, 115 surveys were completed. The
characteristics of the participants are listed in Table 1. The median age of respondents was
16/17, of the grade 11 age group, with 66 (57.4%) females and 49 (42.6%) males. The
majority of respondents (83.5%) were participating in a team sport. 86.9% of the athletes
were competing at provincial level or above including 27.8% at national level and 11.3% at
international level. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the majority (78.3%) of respondents
trained for over 15 hours a week, with more than half of athletes (52.2%) having been
involved in their sport for over 8 years.

Table 1. Characteristics of secondary school student-athletes who completed the online

survey

Athlete demographics Responses

n %

Age
Grade 9 12 10.4
Grade 10 19 16.5
Grade 11 53 46.1
Grade 12 31 27.0

Gender
Male 49 42.6
Female 66 57.4

Team sport
Yes 96 83.5
No 19 16.5

Competition level
Regional 15 13.1
Provincial 55 47.8
National 32 27.8
International 13 11.3

Years in sport
Less than 3 years 5 4.3
3-5 years 14 12.2
5-8 years 36 31.3
More than 8 years 60 52.2

Weekly training hours prior to lockdown

Less than 15 hours 25 21.7
15-20 hours 54 47.0
20-25 hours 25 21.7
More than 25 hours 11 9.6

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All major sports leagues and tournaments have been suspended or cancelled due to COVID-
19 since early March 2020. 93% of respondents experienced at least one cancellation or
postponement of an important competition or meet during the COVID-19 outbreak (see Table
2). Most coaches or their associated clubs arranged in-home training to help the athletes
retain their strength and fitness throughout this unprecedented time. It has been found that
more than half (60%) of the athletes are still continuing to receive some form of virtual
training (training plans, online sessions, etc.) from their club and coaches, however 77.4%
are now training less than 8 hours a week. In addition to any mandated training from club or
coach, 22.6% of the athletes are participating in other strenuous activities, while 54.8% are
doing moderate activities regularly.

Table 2. Athletic impacts from COVID-19 pandemic on current competition season of the
secondary school student-athletes

Impacts on current season and training Responses

n %

Cancellation or postponement of important competitions or meets

Yes 107 93.0
Maybe 5 4.3
No 3 2.6

Current training status: whether receiving virtual training from club or

coaches 69 60.0
Yes 46 40.0
No

Weekly training hours amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Not training at all 18 15.7
Less than 5 hours 25 21.7
5-8 hours 46 40.0
8-12 hours 21 18.3
More than 12 hours 5 4.3

Other physical activities in addition to any mandated training

Strenuous activities 26 22.6
Moderate activities 63 54.8
Light activities 20 17.4
Not at all 6 5.2

The athletes are also reporting psychological impacts from the pandemic (see Table 3). A
significant number of student-athletes (90.5%: 52.2% with an answer “yes” and 38.3% with
an answer “sometimes”) feel isolated and disconnected all the time or sometimes. 79.1% of
athletes have also expressed feelings of anxiety, depression, and frustration, whilst 4.3% of
athletes were not sure about their feelings concerning anxiety symptoms. Furthermore,
89.6% of athletes are experiencing a lack of initiative and 87% agree with the following

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statement “I am no longer looking forward to anything”. 94.8% of athletes believe that the
current situation involving the pandemic is a tough situation to deal with. However, only 20%
of respondents reported a fear of being infected by COVID-19.

Table 3. General psychological impacts from COVID-19 pandemic on secondary school

student-athletes

Items Responses

n %

Feel isolated/disconnected
Yes 60 52.2
Sometimes 44 38.3
No 10 8.7
Maybe 1 0.8

Fear of being infected by COVID-19

Yes 20 17.4
No 68 59.1
Maybe 27 23.5

Have anxiety/depression/frustration
Yes 36 31.3
Sometimes 55 47.8
No 17 14.8
Maybe 5 4.3
Prefer not to say 2 1.7

Lack of initiative to complete tasks

Yes 70 60.9
Sometimes 33 28.7
No 11 9.6
Maybe 1 0.8

Not looking forward to anything

Does not apply to me at all 15 13.0
Applies to me at some degree, or at certain times 59 51.3
Applies to me at a considerable degree, or a good part of the time 28 24.3
Applies to me very much, or most of the time 13 11.3

Thinking tough to deal with this situation

Yes 87 75.7
No 6 5.2
Maybe 22 19.1

Observing the sports-related impacts on the athletes (see Table 4), 86.1% of the
respondents identified a worry for a loss of fitness during this time (falling behind in physical
preparedness, developing a competitive disadvantage), with 91.3% concerned about the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their next season. Nonetheless, 84.3% of athletes still

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plan to return to training once the pandemic is over, while 11.3% have not yet made a
decision. The decision of returning to sport appears to have not been affected due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. A significant portion of athletes (96.5%: 74.8% with an answer “yes”
and 21.7% with an answer “maybe”) believe they can catch up to their previous
strength/technical level after the pandemic. 91.4% of respondents consider previous sports-
related mental /resilience training is now beneficial in helping them get through this difficult
time.

Table 4. Sports-related impacts from COVID-19 pandemic on secondary school student-

athletes

Questions Responses

n %

Are you worried of a loss of fitness, falling behind in physical

preparedness, or of a competitive disadvantage during this time? 91 79.1
Yes 16 13.9
No 8 7.0
Maybe

Do you think the mental training and/or resilience training from your
sport will help you get through this difficult time? 41 35.7
Definitely 37 32.2
Moderately 27 23.5
A bit 7 6.1
No 3 2.6
Maybe

How concerned are you about the potential impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic for your next season? 8 7.0
Not at all concerned 50 43.5
Somewhat concerned 39 33.9
Very concerned 16 13.9
Extremely concerned 2 1.7
Not applicable

Do you plan to return to training for your sport once the pandemic is
over? 97 84.3
Yes 5* 4.3
No 13 11.3
Maybe

Has your decision to return to your sport been affected due to the
COVID-19 pandemic? 21 18.3
Yes 84 73.0
No 10 8.7
Maybe

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 Do you believe you can catch up to your previous strength/technical
level after the pandemic? 86 74.8
Yes 4 3.5
No 25 21.7
Maybe

* Note. Reasons for not returning are: Mountain will be close; Too expensive; Retiring; My
career is over because I am over the age limit; and Going away for university and not playing
varsity.

In response to COVID-19 pandemic, student-athletes are using emotion-focused or

behavioral-focused dimension ways of coping. In detail, from all the respondents, 90.3% turn
to other activities (e.g., watching movies, reading books, running) to take their mind off
things, 54.9% have been looking for something good in the current situation, and 44.2%
have taken action to try and make the situation better. The other ways of coping include
trying to come up with a strategy about what to do, making jokes about the pandemic, getting
help, advice and emotional support from other people, as well as expressing negative
feelings (see Table 5).

With regard to whether lifestyle would change after the pandemic, 45% of respondents
answered a definite yes while 37% answered maybe (see Table 5).

Table 5. Ways of coping with the pandemic and lifestyle change

Responses

How are you coping with the pandemic? (check all that apply) %

– turning to other activities (watching movies, reading books, running, etc.) to 90.3
take my mind off things. 54.9
– looking for something good in what is happening 44.2
– taking action to try and make the situation better. 36.3
– trying to come up with a strategy about what to do 30.1
– making jokes about the pandemic. 28.3
– getting help and advice from other people 26.5
– expressing my negative feelings. 23.9
– getting emotional support from others.

Do you think your lifestyle will change after the pandemic? n %

Yes 52 45.2
No 20 17.4
Maybe 43 37.4

DISCUSSION

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The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures signicantly affected high performance
secondary school student-athletes in Canada. A vast majority of respondents (93%) had at
least one cancellation or postponement of important competitions or meets due to the
COVID-19 outbreak. Despite home confinement and high levels of uncertainty regarding
returning to sport and the next season, most student-athletes are continuing to train daily,
either through virtual training from their club and coaches, or doing strength or cardio
workouts according to their coach’s plan. However, it is noted that 77.4% of athletes are now
training less than 8 hours a week. The drastic drop in training time and the change in setting
influences the ability of the athletes to maintain their peak fitness. Solo training and a lack of
sport-specic training may also be challenging for athletes who participate in team and very
technical (e.g. artistic swimming, skiing) sports. Besides the guided training, the athletes are
participating in regular physical activities including both strenuous and moderate activities.
Maintaining moderate activities allow for recovery (9), particularly important during the
COVID-19 pandemic to avoid blunting of the immune system (10).

In addition to having direct disruptive impacts from COVID-19 on the current competition
season, the student-athletes are also exposed to the negative psychological consequences
of COVID-19 (frustration, anxiety and depression), which has been found to be common
during this stressful time. A signicant proportion of athletes reported feelings of isolation and
of being disconnected. This may be associated with the majority (83.5%) of respondents
participating in a team sport. Having the social aspect of participating in team sports
removed due to social distancing measures leads to the feelings of isolation and
disconnection in the respondents. With cities and countries in lockdown, alongside the urging
from authorities to maintain social distancing, a feeling of isolation can spread amongst the
athlete population. It is natural for athletes to experience an array of emotions with regard to
the current situation. A vast majority of student-athletes are experiencing a lack of initiative
with energy loss and a lack of motivation to train. This can be connected with the impact from
COVID-19 on the competition season of athletes with 93% of the respondents having
competitions or meets cancelled or postponed in response to the pandemic. As athletes, a
full season of training filled with dedication and sacrifices is completed to prepare for a
regional, provincial, national, or international meet. By cancelling those competitions, the
time appears to have been wasted. Interestingly, even though most athletes felt isolated,
depressed or anxious, many of them do not have a fear of being infected by COVID-19.

With regard to the sports-related impacts on the athletes, the majority (86.1%) of the
respondents showed worries for a loss of fitness during this time. They are also afraid of
falling behind in physical preparedness, or developing a competitive disadvantage due to the
long time period of lockdown measures. A significant number of athletes (91.3%) had
concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic would continue to have impacts on their next season,
possibly owing to global uncertainty about the pandemic and lack of adequate
communication by national and international federations and sport governing bodies.
Nonetheless, 84.3% of athletes still plan to return to training once the pandemic is over. A
significant portion of athletes believe they can catch up to their previous strength/technical

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level after the pandemic. These high performance student-athletes have also consistently
received mental training and/or resilience training from their sport over the past many years,
and 91.4% of respondents consider mental and resilience training is helpful to getting
through this difficult time. It demonstrates that participation in high performance sport
provides athletes with mental skills that make them strong competitors: competitive drive,
resilience, mental toughness, adversity tolerance. These mental skills make athletes not only
strong competitors in the sporting fields, but also provide them with skills that can be adapted
for life in times of adversity.

Ways of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and possible lifestyle changes after lockdown
were of concern. Stress theories that focus on coping with stressful life events have shown
that many strategies can essentially be reduced to an emotion-focused dimension and a
behavioral-focused dimension. Based on the results of this study, most high performance
student-athletes have found effective strategies in coping with the pandemic. A majority of
them turned to other leisure activities to take their mind off things, half of them looked for
something good in what is happening or took action to try and make the situation better.
Pertaining lifestyle, it is noted that almost half of the student athletes considered their lifestyle
would change after the pandemic. This apparently shows that COVID-19 has brought about
significant impact on our future.

The present study has some limitations. First, the studied participants were only from local
secondary school student-athletes, and this limited sampling may weaken the generalizability
of the findings in the present study. Second, the online survey may not be able to reach
those student-athletes who are not comfortable with or unable to use technology and the
internet. Lastly, it is possible that respondents provided responses that were affected by
social desirability factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic is a challenging time for high performance secondary school
student-athletes. During this time, the large majority of athletes have faced the cancellation
or postponement of important competitions or meets. It has been found that more than half of
the athletes continue to receive virtual training from their club and coaches, but with severely
decreased training hours. The feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression and frustration is
clear among the student athletes, although many have found effective strategies to cope with
the pandemic. Most prevalent amongst the respondents were worries surrounding the loss of
fitness during this time and concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their
following season. However, the majority of the athletes still plan to return to training once
social distancing restrictions are lifted, and they are confident that they will be able to catch
up to their previous strength/technical level after the pandemic.

Findings of this study suggest the following recommendations for future interventions: (1)
more attention should be paid to high performance athletes, especially secondary school
student-athletes, as they are young and simultaneously tackling both academic and athletic

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challenges; (2) the health and wellbeing of this population should be addressed, in particular,
additional mental health support for student-athletes should be anticipated in this maelstrom
of changes; (3) specific in-home virtual training during COVID-19 outbreak should be further
strengthened and improved to protect the mental and physical health of the athletes,
especially to reduce the risk of anxiety and depression.

APPLICATIONS IN SPORT

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in disruptions of all areas of life,
bringing the world to a standstill including sport events. How athletes, particularly student-
athletes have been impacted and responded to such adversity, and how they can cope with
this dramatic challenge is useful for coaches, clubs, parents, support staff and sporting
bodies to understand many topics including crisis response, emotion regulation, coping
strategies, resilience, mental health, and well-being of athletes.

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1. Novel Coronavirus – China. World Health Organization

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https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-
media-briefing-on-covid-19—11-march-2020
3. The impact of COVID-19 on sport, physical activity and well-being and its effects on
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postponed-ioc/
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 10. Matthews, C. E., Ockene, I. S., Freedson, P. S., Rosal, M. C., Merriam, P. A. & Hebert,
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