Back on the Track
This year, City Asset Management are delighted to support Danny Sidbury in his efforts to reach the Tokyo Paralympics. Danny has an inspirational story to tell and we hope you will join us in following his journey through his blog posts with City Asset Management or on Instagram @dansidbury .
2020 hasn't been the year any of us were expecting. But I'm happy to report there is light at the end of the tunnel (let's hope it's not an oncoming train)!
BUSINESS AS USUAL IN THE ‘NEW NORMAL’
When presented with challenging times it offers us the perfect opportunity to think outside the box, to do things differently and to rise above the difficulties we may face. Upon the initial frustration of seeing competitions been cancelled and my training been severely disrupted, it became clear that the only way to move forward was to regroup and go into this season with a very different mindset.
Once restrictions were somewhat eased, I was able to find a new routine to fit 'the new normal'. It was a huge confidence boost to be able to see (let alone train with) my coach and training partners again having not seen them for so long. It was a humbling reminder of the importance of teamwork and the positive impact it can have on mental health. Being back was business as usual - relentless, unforgiving, hard training, just the way I like it.
Also, during these troublesome times, I couldn't help but think of my family. When it was safe to do so, I took the opportunity to visit my parents who live in Spain, it was beneficial for all of us to spend time together as a family. Naturally, I brought my racing chair with me, and got my first taste of track training since the first lock down back in March. It felt really good to be back on track again, like shaking hands with an old friend, something felt so right about it. The training went well, and it kept me in good stead for the season to come.
BACK ON THE TRACK
Training hard is all very well and good, but you need a target, a goal. Thankfully, despite the pandemic there were just a handful of track competitions for us to show a mettle, we were able to attend 2 of them.
The performance in both competitions showed that not even a global pandemic can slow us down, as for the first time in my athletic career (so far) I rank number 1 in the UK in 100m, 200m & 1500m! Which I hope will stand me in good stead for both the European Championships in Poland and the ever-alluring Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
WHAT’S NEXT?
At the moment, I'm still training hard through winter and my times are improving compared to this time last year.
I hope I get to do some if not all the competitions I didn't get to do this year for next year. With talks of a global vaccine, this is looking like a real possibility and to continue enjoying life with a new appreciation like never before.
Danny Sidbury racing - photo by Peter Milsom
All pictures credited to Peter Milsom