Staying fit with YOG athletes

As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we take a look at what former Youth Olympic Games (YOG) athletes are doing to #StayStrong #StayActive and #StayHealthy.

Khaddi Sagnia

Swedish long jumper Khaddi Sagnia – who won gold in the triple jump at the YOG Singapore 2010 – has been trying to inspire her followers to #StayActive during the pandemic by posting workouts to her Instagram feed. “Remember to always take care of your physical and mental health,” she posted alongside one video.

Luguelin Santos

Dominican sprinter Luguelin Santos – who won silver in the 400m at the Olympic Games London 2012, just two years after being crowned YOG champion – has been using his social media presence to urge his followers to #StayHealthy by adhering to all the guidelines that help combat the spread of COVID-19. “In this difficult moment, it is time to unite as a people, as a team and contribute to the virus not spreading further in our country,” he posted alongside an image of him wearing a facemask. “So let's not stop using the masks and gloves. Stay at home. This is everyone's job.”

Ellie Downie

Gymnast Ellie Downie – who won four medals at the YOG Nanjing 2014 – made the most of the sunny British weather to do her core workout in the garden, and urged her followers to #StayActive by giving it a go too. “I actually love doing my core circuits because I love having my abs!” she posted. “Give it a go and tag me in your workouts.”

Jhonnatan Botero

Colombian mountain bike racer Jhonnatan Botero – who won mixed team gold at the YOG Singapore 2010 and finished fifth at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 – has been able to return to training on cross-country trails, but showed his followers that he was still trying to #StayHealthy by taking all the necessary precautions, including wearing a facemask. “We start to enjoy the bike outings again but with all the care and prevention measures,” he posted.

Mike Hixon

Canadian diver Mike Hixon – a bronze medallist at the YOG Singapore 2010 – was able to see the funny side of his at-home training session on a stationary bike, as he tries to #StayActive during lockdown. “Peddling hard but not really getting anywhere!” he joked.