She said her training group is close-knit, so they have a group chat, and she’s been diligent in checking on family members. “Rolling out, stretching, the normal things I would do during season…There are some days we’re able to be on a track and do some stuff in spikes, which is a blessing.” “I’m doing home workouts, abs, I have a stationary bike,” Spencer said. She does not have hurdles to practice for her event, so she’s focusing on maintaining her fitness in case the opportunity arises to compete at some outdoor meets later this year. Spencer, who lives and trains in Austin, Texas, said she and fellow track athletes are trying to remain as fit as possible within the rules for social distancing. Knowing that my goal is to be in Tokyo is motivation enough for me to keep going.” “Not knowing what’s going to happen within a year as far as health, fitness and life in general is pretty scary, but so is being a 400 hurdler. “However, for the safety of not only the athletes, but all the moving parts when it comes to the Olympics-volunteers, officials, fans, family-it’s the best move,” said Spencer. Describing herself as a “textbook over-thinker,” she’d been carefully planning to peak in August when the track events were scheduled. Reigning bronze medalist in the 400-meter hurdles Ashley Spencer said the postponement of the Olympics until July 2021 is heartbreaking.

For athletes who have been building to the Olympics originally scheduled for this summer, it’s been a tough few weeks.

Ashleyspencer trackrunner