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This is how Antonio Díaz takes advantage of the isolation by the coronavirus 1:55
(CNN) - Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles said she was in gym training when she learned that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics had been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
With the rules still allowing meetings of up to 10 people, the leaders of the US team they were preparing as if the event would continue. But during a break, Biles checked his cell phone and received a text message informing him of the situation.
"I really didn't know what to feel. I just sat there and cried, but it was finally the right decision… we need to make sure everyone in the United States and around the world is healthy and safe, ”said Biles, winner of four Olympic gold medals in Rio 2016, on Wednesday at NBC's "Today Show".
- LOOK: Wimbledon also says goodbye to 2020 for the coronavirus
Biles, along with other athletes, is doing his part to help people affected by the pandemic. The 23-year-old partnered with Athletes for Covid-19 Relief, an organization that supports the covid-19 Response Fund of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
Donations of more than US $ 25 are entered into a contest, and participants have the opportunity to win an outfit signed by Biles, among other items donated by professional athletes. As of publication, the leotard (garment) donated by the gymnast had raised $ 1,601 for the cause.
"In a crisis like this, everyone wants to stand up and help and I had that opportunity," said Biles, who is the most decorated gymnast in the United States. "By donating that read, you will ensure that children are not left behind at school and that small businesses are on their feet."
Biles herself stands up during this time of social distancing with training at home. “I am in contact via text messages and FaceTime with my coaches so that we can determine what is the right decision, our plan for next year. But we are doing more body work: abs, arms and legs. "
However, the lack of access to a gym has some disadvantages.
- MORE: The ingenuity of this Olympic champion in an inflatable pool
"There are definitely no 'Biles' (her namesake twists and turns) in the room," said the Olympian, who also won 19 gold medals at the World Championship. But the home offers alternative training that the gym doesn't. "I'm also walking my dog a lot more," he says.
Nutrition is another key component of the training, but Biles has his mother to help him with that, despite the mandate of social distancing.
- MORE: The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have a new date
“Sunday dinners are a big part of my family, but we haven't been able to go to my parents' house. So he's been picking up dinner on Sundays ... that's the best we have, "he added.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will now take place from July to August 2021, with Biles among the many participants.
coronavirus