Episode 9: Sport in COVID-19 Lockdown

COVID-19 has pulled down shutters of stadiums, postponing – and in some cases cancelling – events around the world. For the Olympics, gold has been put on hold. In this edition of The Agenda Podcast with Stephen Cole we look across the sporting world and speak to some of its biggest players to ask them how they&aposre taking on their toughest opponent yet.

First we talk to Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics about why postponing the Olympics was “the right decision” and why it was important for the integrity of the global competitions [03.20]. 

We also talk to Simon Chadwick, professor at the Centre for the Eurasian Sport Industry, who explains to us how sport has been hurt financially by COVID-19 [05.10]. He also tells us why he has been looking at China&aposs handling of sporting events during this time to predict when European stadiums will be able to open their doors again [06:54]. Professor Chadwick also explains why playing games behind closed doors is not necessarily a desirable solution for sporting institutions. 

Finally we talk to Emily Scarratt, England rugby international and World Rugby’s Women&aposs Player of the Year about how she’s been handling being in lockdown. Emily explains what it&aposs like to play behind closed doors [12.46]. She also tells us why she’s optimistic about the interest in women’s rugby post-lockdown and why she has faith that the rugby community will continue to be strong post COVID-19 [14:00].