COVID-19 Closeup: Michelle Fazzari
COVID-19 Closeup
Subject: Michelle Fazzari, 2016 Olympic wrestler and winner of Canadian Olympic trials.
What would you be doing right now with your training if the pandemic hadn’t hit? I would hopefully be prepping for the Olympics right now, most likely in Europe training and competing. I was hoping to visit my brother and his family in Barcelona between camps for a few days.
What are you doing now to train? Trying to make the most of my days. I was fortunate to have my coaches drop a stationary bike off at my place (running just doesn’t happen anymore). I bike and do body weight workouts. Pretty excited for gyms to open up.
What is the biggest obstacle to training during the pandemic? Well considering my sport is pretty physical, I’d say the fact that we are not allowed to practise with each other. I miss my team! There’s also a mental component too; making sure to put yourself in the uncomfortable. I did that often in the training room. I’ve had to find new ways to do that. I hate watching old videos, but it’s a way to grow and really reflect on the next steps to take.
What do you miss the most about the pre-pandemic world of amateur wrestling? I would say travelling and training camps abroad. We spend majority of the summer overseas at different camps and competitions. I miss the pressure and focus that is paired with that. However, this is my first summer in probably 15 years that I have spent entirely at home (not recovering from surgery). It has been nice in a way to slow down a bit.
What do you miss the least about the pre-pandemic world of amateur wrestling? I’m usually working and training at the same time. Truthfully, I’ve overworked myself in the past. The past year, I didn’t work as much because I was still recovering from an injury. The time I would have spent working, I spent in physio/recovery. I don’t miss the super long days and I love the extra time with my family.
What is the biggest thing wrong with amateur wrestling in Canada? I would say I wish our top athletes had more funding and support. I think the funding should start at an earlier age as well in order to produce world-class athletes over a longer period of time. This issue is not just a wrestling issue, but probably all amateur sports in Canada. If we want to produce top results, we need to fully support athletes. The worst thing is not knowing if you are going to have funding. That shouldn’t deter athletes from training but it does all the time.
Is there an easy way to fix the problem? I think there are some flaws in the way athletes can be selected for funding that could be changed overnight. I by no means think there is a perfect system but it could be better. I do believe we have a great team that works behind the scenes to do their best. Having more of an athlete voice and really working as a united organization is one way we can progress.
Is there a hard way to fix the problem? Hmm. Asking the government to increase their fund for top athletes…That’s not hard at all.
What would be one suggestion to make amateur wrestling in Canada better? I would love to see more programs offered at a young age. Exposing kids to amateur sport early can be a really powerful tool. Sport teaches us so much confidence, resiliency, leadership and teamwork. I have learned so much through sport. I think it’s such a precious gift to give kids.
Has the pandemic changed how you will approach your training and competing in the future? As of right now, I would say no. When Canada allows us to start training and travelling, I’m sure it will be safe to do so.
What is the first thing you are going to do when life returns to normal? Lace up my shoes and take down Jevon Balfour.
What daily activity do you miss the most? Can I say handball and wrestling? I really miss our strength and conditioning sessions too.
What guilty pleasure do you miss the most? Beating up Jevon Balfour.
What is your favourite outfit to wear around the house if you are working from home? If anyone answers something other than sweats right now, they should not be interviewed. Bathing suit is acceptable.
What do you do to replace the time spent involved in training? I’m honestly not bored! I refinished a cabinet, learned how to tape and mud (kind of), I’m cooking tons and going for walks. I hang out with my nephew a lot too.
Are you most likely to be a hunk, chunk, drunk or sasquatch when the pandemic ends? All of the above. These are new times.
What is the worst habit you have picked up during the pandemic? I liked snacks before but now I really like snacks.
What is the best habit you have picked up during the pandemic? Sleeping in.
What is something good about yourself you have discovered during the pandemic? According to my nephew, I’m really good at hide and seek. Does that count?
What is something bad about yourself you have discovered during the pandemic? This is just dangerous territory. Jevon and I downloaded Catan on our phones. I will not admit to the number of games we play in a week. I will say this, I win more.
