The impact of COVID-19 resulted in lockdowns being introduced across the globe. Sports saw widespread cancelations and postponements impacting the biggest events across the globe, but learned to adapt with the introduction of new rules and policies. Empty stadiums, training at home, new hygiene regimes, the masked athlete…these images tell the story of how Sport has looked to recover and evolve through one of the most challenging times it has ever faced.
Olympic Team Swimmer Miguel Valente Trains Alone at Home to Keep Fit due to the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) Pandemic
ShareBELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - MARCH 31: Miguel Valente, member of the olympic swimming team, trains at home due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID - 19) at on March 31, 2020 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
Detroit Red Wings v Washington Capitals
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: Sam Hess, Operations with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, skates alone prior Detroit Red Wings playing against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. Today the NHL announced is has suspended their season due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19) with hopes of returning. The NHL currently joins the NBA, MLS, as well as, other sporting events and leagues around the world suspending play because of the coronavirus outbreak. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
General Views Around Tokyo ahead of 2020 Olympic Games
ShareTOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 18: The sun sets behind the Olympic rings installation at Odaiba Marine Park on March 18, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
NRL Rd 2 – Bulldogs v Cowboys
ShareSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: The Bulldogs score the opening try in front of an empty stadium during the round 2 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium on March 19, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the fixture is the first top-level Sydney rugby league match played in 112 years where fans are locked out of the ground. This is due to a NSW Public Health Order prohibiting outdoor events with more than 500 people. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Olympic Flame Displayed A Day After Tokyo Games Postponement Announced
ShareIWAKI, JAPAN - MARCH 25: A staff preserves the Olympic flame to the lantern during the 'Flame of Recovery' special exhibition at Aquamarine Park a day after the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games announced due to the coronavirus pandemic on March 25, 2020 in Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Drive-In Cinema Shows AC Sparta Prague Vs. FC Viktoria Plzen As Top-Flight Football Resumes
SharePILSEN, CZECH REPUBLIC - MAY 27: Fans cheer as they watch the Czech first division football match between FC Viktoria Plzen and AC Sparta Praha at a drive-in movie theater on May 27, 2020 in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The match is being played live where fans can watch it on the screen at the drive in theater due to the highly contagious coronavirus. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)
Ohio Man Designs Backyard Gym Equipment Made From Lumber
ShareJACKSON, OHIO - APRIL 15: Adhering to Ohio's stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus outbreak, Zachary Skidmore bench presses as he lifts weights using his hand-made outdoor gym equipment on April 15, 2020 in Jackson, Ohio. Skidmore, a former U.S. Army police officer and part-time personal trainer, constructed his 'Lumber-Jacked Gym' entirely out of timber over a two week period. The seven station setup, which includes a cable fly machine, bench press, treadmill and leg press, was designed as a way to help him stay fit during the COVID-19 pandemic - which shut down his local gym - and landed him at his parent’s home for the quarantine. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Fans Sneak A Glimpse As Bohemians 1905 Play FK Jablonec To Empty Stadium
SharePRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - JUNE 14: Football fans stand on ladders to peer over a wall as they watch a Czech First League match between Bohemians 1905 and FK Jablonec at Dolicek Stadium on June 14, 2020 in Prague, Czech Republic. Football matches in the country are closed to the public due to concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)
US Swimmer Phoebe Bacon Continues To Train Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
SharePOTOMAC, MARYLAND - APRIL 28: Olympic hopeful and USA Swimming National Team member Phoebe Bacon (FRONT) trains with her brother Finn Bacon amid the coronavirus pandemic at a family friend's covered, 15-meter pool on April 28, 2020 in Potomac, Maryland. Phoebe Bacon, a high school senior and PanAmerican gold medalist, qualified for the U.S. Olympic swimming trials and is using the small-sized pool to continue to train in the water after COVID-19 closed pools. The U.S. trials and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been postponed due the coronavirus, but that hasn't deterred athletes like Bacon from finding non-traditional ways of training. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Local Amateur Boxers Continue To Train During COVID-19 Pandemic
ShareJACKSON HEIGHTS, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Amateur Boxer and New York City Firefighter Jonathan Velasquez trains on the rooftop of his building on May 02, 2020 in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the Borough of Queens, New York. Local Amateur Boxers have continued To train as best they can during coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic. The World Health Organization declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic on March 11th. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NASCAR Cup Series The Real Heroes 400
ShareDARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 17: Drivers walk down the grid during the NASCAR Cup Series The Real Heroes 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 17, 2020 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Triathlete Olga Matyushina Training during Covid-19 Pandemic
ShareDUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 26: Triathlete Olga Matyushina trains at Al Qudra on May 26, 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
US Olympic Fencer Katharine Holmes Trains During Coronavirus Pandemic
SharePRINCETON, NEW JERSEY - MAY 28: U.S. Olympic fencer Katharine Holmes (L) trains with her boyfriend Tyler Christensen during a training session at her home on May 28, 2020 in Princeton, New Jersey. An Olympian, World Championship gold medalist and Pan American gold medalist - Holmes continues to focus on winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics - which have been postponed to 2021 due the coronavirus. The epee fencer was training anywhere from 6-8 hours a day at Princeton University before the Covid-19 pandemic, but now continues that intense regime at home. That includes using her boyfriend, who is a rock climber and ecologist, to stand in for her lessons. Athletes across the globe are now training in isolation under strict policies in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Corinthians v Palmeiras – Paulista Championship
ShareSAO PAULO, BRAZIL - JULY 22: Aerial view during a match between Corinthians and Palmeiras as part of Campeonato Paulista at Arena Corinthians stadium on July 22, 2020 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The match is played behind closed doors and further precautionary measures against the coronavirus (COVID - 19) Pandemic. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
Thai Boxers Resume Matches In Bangkok Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic
ShareBANGKOK, THAILAND - JULY 30: A Thai boxer wears a face mask as he enters the boxing arena at the Radjadamnern Boxing Stadium on July 30, 2020 in Bangkok, Thailand. Muay Thai Boxing resumed amidst the coronavirus without spectators and following strict social distancing protocols. All boxers fighting at the Radjadamnern Boxing Stadium have to undergo a mandatory 14 day quarantine at their training gym with their trainer before being allowed to compete in the televised matches. After a cluster of COVID-19 cases broke out at the Lumpini Boxing Stadium in March, boxing gyms have taken measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus very seriously. The Radjadamnern Boxing Stadium is one of the oldest and most popular stadiums in Bangkok, now hosting matches two televised nights a week during the ongoing emergency decree..Ê (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)
NRL Rd 3 – Sharks v Tigers
ShareSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 30: Cardboard cut-outs of fans are placed in seats around the stadium during the round three NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Wests Tigers at Bankwest Stadium on May 30, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
NASCAR Cup Series Food City presents the Supermarket Heroes 500
ShareBRISTOL, TENNESSEE - MAY 31: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, and Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, lead the field during the NASCAR Cup Series Food City presents the Supermarket Heroes 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on May 31, 2020 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Swimmer Regina Alferez Trains in Isolation
ShareMEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 05: Artistic swimmer Regina Alferez performs exercises as part of a training session at home on June 05, 2020 in Mexico City, Mexico. Despite the 'Healthy Distance' program finished in Mexico on May 31, measures to halt the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) continue, sport facilities are still closed or working at a 30% of their full capacity. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
NTT IndyCar Series – Genesys 300
ShareFORT WORTH, TEXAS - JUNE 06: Tony Kanaan, driver of the #14 7-ELEVEN / AJ FOYT RACING Chevrolet, races during the NTT IndyCar Series - Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 06, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Olympic Hopeful Cyclist Mandy Marquardt Trains During Coronavirus Pandemic
ShareALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 09: Olympic hopeful cyclist Mandy Marquardt poses for a portrait on June 09, 2020 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Athletes across the globe are now training in isolation under strict policies in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Olympic Sprinter Morolake Akinosun Trains During Coronavirus Pandemic
ShareLEANDER, TEXAS - JULY 01: An aerial drone view as Olympic sprinter Morolake Akinosun stretches following an outdoor training session on July 1, 2020 in Leander, Texas. Athletes across the globe are now training in isolation under strict policies in place due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Manchester City v Liverpool FC – Premier League
ShareMANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City is fouled by Joe Gomez and Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool and a penalty is later awarded during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on July 02, 2020 in Manchester, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
San Francisco Giants v Los Angeles Dodgers
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 23: Enrique Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two run homerun off of Conner Menez #51 of the San Francisco Giants, to take an 8-1 lead during the eighth inning, on MLB Opening Day at Dodger Stadium on July 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels v Oakland Athletics
ShareOAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JULY 25: Michael Hermosillo #21 of the Los Angeles Angels catches a fly ball hit by Robbie Grossman #8 of the Oakland Athletics for the final out of their game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on July 25, 2020 in Oakland, California. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
2020 French Open – Day Fifteen
SharePARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 11: Rafael Nadal of Spain hugs the winners trophy following victory in his Men's Singles Final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day fifteen of the 2020 French Open at Roland Garros on October 11, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest v Brentford – Sky Bet Championship
ShareNOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was created using a variable planed lens.) A general view of the stadium as David Raya of Brentford makes a save during the Sky Bet Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Coventry City at City Ground on December 12, 2020 in Nottingham, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
FC Barcelona v Real Sociedad – La Liga Santander
ShareBARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 16: Lionel Messi of Barcelona looks to the empty stands during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on December 16, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
As Pandemic Surges, A Brooklyn Boxing Club Tries To Hang On
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 30: Boxers train at the Brotherhood Boxing Club in Brooklyn on December 30, 2020 in New York City. The Boxing Club, which was founded in 1997 in a working class section of Brooklyn, struggled during the early days of the pandemic and had to close for a time. Since re-opening, the Brotherhood Boxing Club and its owner Ray Cuadrado have invested in a strict distancing and sanitizing routine for the dozens of boxers visiting the club daily. Boxers have their temperatures checked at the door, have to wear masks at all times, have their hands sanitized and use plastic dividers between training fighters. The Brotherhood Boxing Club seeks to provide at-risk teens and adults with a safe and constructive environment in which to grow as people and athletes. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
George Mason University Sanitizes Arena To Protect From Covid-19
ShareFAIRFAX, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 13: Alexander Espinoza of V&G Cleaning Services uses an electromagnetic sanitizer with hospital-grade disinfectant to sterilize the George Mason Patriots basketball locker room against the novel coronavirus after their men's NCAA basketball game against the La Salle Explorers at Eagle Bank Arena on January 13, 2021 in Fairfax, Virginia. George Mason University has been taking necessary precautions to mitigate risk amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Their efforts include reduced fan attendance, public health announcements, and continual disinfecting, cleaning to keep its players, coaches, staff, and visiting teams safe - among other policies. In an attempt to safely conduct March Madness, the NCAA recently announced its entire men's basketball postseason tournament would be held in Indianapolis in a bubble-like format. The 68 teams competing for the national championship under this plan is in response to the coronavirus pandemic that canceled their 2020 men and women's tournament. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
2021 Australian Open: Day 10
ShareMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: A general view of Rod Laver Arena as Rafael Nadal of Spain competes against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in their Men’s Singles Quarterfinals match during day 10 of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 17, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Newbury Races
ShareNEWBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Jockey James Doyle riding Fortune And Glory leads the pack to win the 1m The Watch And Bet With Mansionbet At Newbury Handicap Stakes in front of empty seats at Newbury Racecourse on June 13, 2020 in Newbury, England. (Photo by Edward Whitaker/Pool via Getty Images)
Leon v Pachuca – Copa Telcel 2020
ShareLEON, MEXICO - JULY 17: A member of the staff of the Leon Stadium sanitizes the trophy of Copa Telcel as a measure to halt the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) prior the final match between Leon and Pachuca as part of the friendly mtournament Copa Telcel 2020 at Leon Stadium on July 17, 2020 in Leon, Mexico. (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
NRL Rd 5 – Rabbitohs v Titans
ShareSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 13: The Rabbitohs and the Titans unite togeather before the round five NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Gold Coast Titans at Bankwest Stadium on June 13, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
NRL Rd 8 – Bulldogs v Rabbitohs
ShareSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 05: A Bulldogs fan wearing a face shield watches the round eight NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Bankwest Stadium on July 05, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
England v Australia – 1st Vitality International Twenty20
ShareSOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Tom Banton of England retrieves a Steve Smith of Australia six from the stands during the 1st Vitality International Twenty20 match between England and Australia at The Ageas Bowl on September 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images for ECB)
Internazionali BNL D’Italia 2020 – Day One
ShareROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 14: A general view of the Grand Stand Arena as Kei Nishikori of Japan stretches to play a forehand in his round one match against Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain during day one of the Internazionali BNL D'Italia at Foro Italico on September 14, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Eagles v San Francisco 49ers
ShareSANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles fumbles a snap against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Hertha BSC v 1. FC Union Berlin – Bundesliga
ShareBERLIN, GERMANY - DECEMBER 04: Matteo Guendouzi, Krzysztof Piatek and Niklas Stark (L-R) of Hertha celebrate with imaginary fans in front of the empty stand after winning the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and 1. FC Union Berlin at Olympiastadion on December 04, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open – Day Five
ShareABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 10: A general view of play during her Women's Singles match on Day Five of the Abu Dhabi WTA Women's Tennis Open at Zayed Sports City on January 10, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)