Junior athletes keeping momentum during covid19

THE NATIONAL Gas Company-sponsored National Association of Athletics Administrations Youth Elite Programme (NGC/NAAA/YEP), in collaboration with Michael Johnson Performance, have developed a plan to keep the next crop of national athletes active during the pandemic.

The YEP, launched in 2017, is intended to facilitate the holistic development of young track and field athletes between the ages of 14 and 20, who have been identified as those with podium potential by 2024. These athletes were identified on the basis of their performance in local, regional and international games in 2016.

An NGC media release said, “Due to covid19 restrictions and current social distancing measures, these athletes are unable to train in their usual manner, which can impair their ability to perform at future events. As such, an innovative way to continue their arduous training was proposed by Michael Johnson Performance (MJP), an international sports science institute led by multiple Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson, that is a supporting partner to the NGC/NAAA/YEP. NGC/NAAA/YEP has started using technology to ensure that they do not lose momentum and continue with their training regimen.”

Coaches and trainers will be guided by Bridge Athletic, which is a strength and conditioning software that helps develop programmes for athletes.

A portion of the platform is also available to athletes to gain access via any smart device such as a phone, tablet or laptop.

The release said the athletes have welcomed the new initiative. “The NGC/NAAA/YEP athletes have embraced the use of this software which builds high-performance training tools for coaches and athletes who compete at the highest levels. The integrated Bridge Athletic software leverages the power of technology to revolutionise the way coaches create, deliver, and track athlete progress. With customised training programmes at their fingertips, athletes can continue to focus on their development.”

The NGC/NAAA/YEP athletes have been involved in several webinars to facilitate the transition to the new platform.

Two of the webinars that were held were "About the app and how to use it" on March 30, followed by "How to navigate the app" on April 7.

The release said that the programme has been so successful that it may continue after covid19. “This pandemic has forced everyone to think out-of-the-box and find alternatives to sustaining business, entertainment, communication as well as sports. The success with use of the software has prompted the NGC/NAAA/YEP to consider integrating this tool into the programme going forward. NGC’s commitment to developing the next generation of high performing athletes with the NGC/NAAA/YEP has not waned despite the challenges posed by covid19. The pandemic has however made technological innovation even more important if the current programme momentum is to be maintained.”