Team Canada training in Vichy, France prior to 2019 World Championships in London, England. (Submitted/Nikita Ens)

By Nicole Reis

LOCAL ATHLETE

Para athlete setting sights on Tokyo 2021

Mar 26, 2020 | 5:02 PM

Inspirational athlete and Meadow Lake resident, Nikita Ens is putting her goal of attending Paralympic games on hold due to COVID-19 risks. The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games have been recently postponed until 2021.

Ens, 31, told meadowlakeNOW she agrees with the official decision to postpone the Games though anticipating new dates being set.

“It was tough news but I think it was the right call for public health and athlete safety,” she said.

Earlier this week, the Canadian Olympic Committee issued a joint statement saying they will not send their teams to Tokyo unless the Games rescheduled not later than one year. The Tokyo Olympics were originally slated for August and the Paralympics were scheduled for September.

Saskatoon Lasers coach Eric Kramer has been assisting Ens with dry land and cardio workouts. During self-isolation, she plans to continue training at home.

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“I’m blessed to have the right equipment in my house so I work out here,” she said. “I have an arm bike, a workout table some weights my dad set up so I’m well equipped here.”

Ens said she’s keeping connected with teammates via social media and encouraging each other while isolated.

Until dates have been finalized by the International Olympic Committee, the Japanese government and Tokyo organizers, Ens will take a rest-season at home and begin training in August.

“It’s an interesting challenge to focus mentally on swimming but this pandemic is a good reminder of life and death and setting your hopes on something solid for the future,” she said.

Swim Canada was contacted for comment though were unable to respond by deadline.

With files from CKOM

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722