Marcus Duncan wants to get back into high gear as he prepares for the 2021 track and field season.

The recent spike in Covid-19 cases here in Trinidad and Tobago has resulted in many restrictions. Among them is the closure of gyms, a measure that has had a direct impact on Duncan's training programme.

"It has gotten a bit more difficult," the sprinter told the Express, "as my needs started to increase as my fitness and strength went up. I don't have enough weights in my house to really accommodate my lifting needs at the moment, but I'm still trying to make things work for the best. I can do a lot of functional things which still isn't horrible for me."

Duncan is concerned about his readiness for 2021.

"When the first wave happened, I was taking it in stride and slowly building. Now, with this second, more prominent wave, it's beginning to create some urgency in my mind. But there really isn't much I can do about it as an athlete, but follow the rules and hope everyone else does, so I can get access to gyms and training areas faster."

While athletes in T&T are having training challenges, some of their rivals have been competing in the United States, Jamaica, and Europe.

"In the last Express interview, I said everyone is on the same playing field. But I stand corrected as athletes in other countries are able to compete. I'll have to shake the rust off when athletes are sharp, but the nature of the sport doesn't guarantee a completely fair playing field. Taking it as it comes is how I'll have to approach it, though it does put the athletes who can't compete at a disadvantage."

Duncan said a full 2021 season is unlikely.

"I'm still optimistic about Olympics, but the reality of the situation is that unless we get this pandemic under control Olympics seems like it may not happen. There may be way too much risk involved if things continue the way it's been going.

"My goals as 2021 gets closer are to stay competitive, not get Covid-19, stay healthy and enjoy competing. Because of the stipulations in Trinidad, there really isn't much I can put in place to ensure I'm ready to be at my best next year. But what I am doing is getting what I can do done, and building from there. Will it work or not? We can only tell with time."Marcus Duncan wants to get back into high gear as he prepares for the 2021 track and field season.

The recent spike in Covid-19 cases here in Trinidad and Tobago has resulted in many restrictions. Among them is the closure of gyms, a measure that has had a direct impact on Duncan's training programme.

"It has gotten a bit more difficult," the sprinter told the Express, "as my needs started to increase as my fitness and strength went up. I don't have enough weights in my house to really accommodate my lifting needs at the moment, but I'm still trying to make things work for the best. I can do a lot of functional things which still isn't horrible for me."

Duncan is concerned about his readiness for 2021.

"When the first wave happened, I was taking it in stride and slowly building. Now, with this second, more prominent wave, it's beginning to create some urgency in my mind. But there really isn't much I can do about it as an athlete, but follow the rules and hope everyone else does, so I can get access to gyms and training areas faster."

While athletes in T&T are having training challenges, some of their rivals have been competing in the United States, Jamaica, and Europe.

"In the last Express interview, I said everyone is on the same playing field. But I stand corrected as athletes in other countries are able to compete. I'll have to shake the rust off when athletes are sharp, but the nature of the sport doesn't guarantee a completely fair playing field. Taking it as it comes is how I'll have to approach it, though it does put the athletes who can't compete at a disadvantage."

Duncan said a full 2021 season is unlikely.

"I'm still optimistic about Olympics, but the reality of the situation is that unless we get this pandemic under control Olympics seems like it may not happen. There may be way too much risk involved if things continue the way it's been going.

"My goals as 2021 gets closer are to stay competitive, not get Covid-19, stay healthy and enjoy competing. Because of the stipulations in Trinidad, there really isn't much I can put in place to ensure I'm ready to be at my best next year. But what I am doing is getting what I can do done, and building from there. Will it work or not? We can only tell with time."