Leona: Tokyo 2020

Thankfully today’s announcement from the Olympic committee confirms that the games will be postponed and not cancelled which means our Olympic dreams are still alive. It’s disappointing for everyone involved, not only the athletes but all the support staff who have spent countless hours training, planning and preparing for this summer’s games. That said, as athletes we appreciate that making sacrifices is part and parcel of sport and life. However this is bigger than sport, this a global pandemic that hopefully we will never have to face again in our lifetime. It’s great to see people helping those around them and I’m hopeful that we will come out the other end stronger and with a greater appreciation for how lucky we all are.

My priorities this year were based around July/August where we had 2 majors and the Olympics scheduled. For me, the Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world and Rio 2016 has definitely been the highlight of my career so far. I loved every minute of competing alongside the best athletes in the world and cheering on my Irish teammates in their respective events. Without doubt there is no greater honour than representing Ireland on the biggest stage in the world.

Right now, I’m concentrating on the things I can control. I’m at home with my family in Cavan being cautious while still getting as much practice in as I can when in a safe environment. This is like a second offseason for us so I am currently building up strength in the gym, working on my short game and just getting ready for whenever we get the green light from the LPGA to compete again.

Finally thank you to everyone who is putting their lives on the line to fight for the lives of others, we will get through this together. Stay safe, stay at home.