Sparkle McKnight has no plans to compete again in 2020.

McKnight had a couple solid 400-metre outings during the indoor season, clocking 53.32 seconds in January and 53.54 in February. But the COVID-19 pandemic happened, and preparations for her outdoor campaign were cut short.

“I will not be competing this year,” McKnight told the Express. “I don’t think I will be ready seeing that I would have missed out on so much training both on the track and in the weight room. I would be at a disadvantage. COVID-19 is supposed to subside by May/June which doesn’t leave much time for me to get some good training in for whatever meets that would be left since everything is getting cancelled.”

A 400m hurdles specialist, US-based McKnight was eagerly anticipating the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), however, postponed the Games to July/August 2021 because of the novel coronavirus outbreak, forcing her to change plans.

“During the winter season we use the indoor track and slowly work our way outside when the weather permits. I haven’t had a chance to race outdoors, and we barely started doing outdoor workouts. But I got stronger in the weight room and things on the track were beginning to come together. I was in good shape to compete at a high level, but there was still so much work to put in to get to the Olympics and be a contender.

“I would have preferred the Olympics to be held in 2020,” McKnight continued. “I planned for this to be my last one, so it kind of messed up my plans. But everyone has a fair chance in 2021. It would have been unfair if it was held this year. A lot of people have absolutely no facilities, while some have access to train fully. And getting into meets to prepare for the Games would have been very challenging. It’s only eight lanes on the track.”

COVID-19 has shut down all training facilities at McKnight’s Fayetteville, Arkansas base. The 28-year-old athlete said as soon as she is able to, she will resume her programme under the guidance of Coach Chris Johnson.

“For now I am doing what I can from my home, using what I can to do the best that I can to make sure I am not just sitting around doing nothing all day. I do circuits and body weight exercises, and make sure that I stay on top of my nutrition.”

McKnight is hopeful the one-year delay will work to her advantage at the July 23 to August 8, 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

“I would like to think I would be in better shape next season seeing that I have more time to prepare. I’m hopeful that would be the outcome, but nothing is guaranteed.”

McKnight is among the athletes receiving funding from the IOC.

“Financially, COVID-19 has taken away meets I would have competed in. I’m not sponsored, but I’m a part of the scholarship given by the IOC. It’s some help financially, but not enough. I’m not sure what the next 15 months would look like financially with the loss of a year of potential earnings. It would be tough, but by God’s grace He will see me through,” McKnight ended. “I look forward to representing the Red, White and Black in 2021 in Tokyo.”