I hope everyone is doing as well as possible during these strange times. It’s now been over a year since the coronavirus began to affect our lives—but finally, there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Training has been going well lately; we’re now doing 15 minutes of close-contact work per session and playing 2v2 games, which feels amazing. We also have a few training camps coming up where we can play without social distancing, and I’m especially looking forward to that—it’s been over a year since I played a proper match!
A little while ago, I did a Q&A on my Instagram page, and one of the questions really stuck with me: “How have you found the motivation to continue training during the current times?” It made me pause and reflect—because I know I’m not the only one who has found staying motivated during lockdown challenging. So I wanted to share my thoughts.
Let’s rewind to the beginning of the pandemic. In all honesty, I didn’t miss playing basketball week in and week out. I was burning out trying to balance university and training, and I had very little motivation. I needed a break from the sport. But lockdown made me appreciate basketball—and my teammates—so much more.
At the start of lockdown, I moved back in with my parents. I truly valued the extra time with them. I took a few weeks off from training because I just needed rest. BWB (British Wheelchair Basketball) were fantastic—they gave us space to go at our own pace and didn’t push us to train if we weren’t ready. But soon, I began to miss exercising and gradually started joining a few sessions each week. Having full control over my training was really helpful. I became responsible for my progress, and while it was hard as a disabled athlete to find alternatives to gym equipment or a sports hall, I stayed motivated by trying new things. I took part in circuit sessions, joined virtual Invictus Active Trainer workouts, and used outdoor courts whenever possible. I even got my dad involved in a few of the sessions—it was great fun and kept things fresh!
Lockdown also gave me time to reflect on why I started playing wheelchair basketball in the first place. That little girl who was first rolled onto a basketball court felt incredibly shy—but suddenly, she felt like a different person. She felt included. Remembering that feeling continues to drive me. I love mastering tactics, the adrenaline of close games, and the joy of being on court. Those are the moments I’ve missed the most—and they’re what motivate me to become a better athlete. So that when I do get back to competitive games, I’ll be ready to savour every second and not take it for granted.
Another huge motivator for me has been staying positive. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by negativity—especially with the media focusing on what’s going wrong. But I’ve learned that positivity is always there if you look for it. Even small things—having food, a roof over my head, and a loving family—remind me of how much I have to be thankful for. I’m also so grateful to BWB for giving us the opportunity to keep developing as athletes. Our coaches are incredibly supportive and constantly remind us of how much we’ve improved. Knowing I’ve made progress since September instantly lifts my spirits.
And of course, my teammates are amazing. They’re supportive, focused, and constantly motivate me to improve. We push each other—in the best way—and that “friendly competition” keeps me going. Especially in a time where family might not fully relate to what it’s like being an athlete in lockdown, having teammates to chat with about life, basketball, and everything in between has meant a lot.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this post, it’s this: It’s okay not to feel motivated all the time. Taking a break—mentally and physically—can be the best thing you do for your wellbeing. Giving yourself permission to rest might just help your future self thrive.
Thanks for reading,
Joy x
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🔗 Connect with Joy: Instagram – @haizsee
