Photos: Training for an Olympic medal during a Covid-19 lockdown

Home isolation during the coronavirus pandemic has left javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber with fewer chances to practise and none to compete, but the Australian athlete is taking it all in her stride with the help of her husband-coach. Her husband Mike Barber is now much more than a coach and confidant, becoming the 28-year-old's physio, massage therapist and training partner because of social distancing rules preventing her from spending time with anyone else. ...read more

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Javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber trains for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games, utilising limited facilities access under the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), in Canberra, Australia, April 21, 2020. (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)

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With the COVID-19 restrictions in place, Barber’s training base is in her garage, with cars moved out and gym equipment moved in. Her apartment living room has become her yoga and massage studio and the local park her training ground. (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)

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Mike Barber, husband and coach of javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber, adds to her training schedule calendar inside the couple's home as they continue preparations for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games. (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)

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Kelsey-Lee Barber trains as Mike Barber keeps record of her throws. It has been nearly seven months since she snatched her maiden world title with a clean final-round throw at Doha in October. (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)

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Kelsey-Lee Barber trains at a public park near her home in Canberra. Access to a proper facility like the one at the Australian Institute of Sport is limited due to precautions. (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)

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Kelsey-Lee Barber (R) drinks coffee and takes a walk with mother Bev Roberts due to cafes only being open for take-away. The lack of opportunity to compete as a world champion would be a bitter pill to swallow but it has not lessened her determination. (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)

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Kelsey-Lee Barber gets a sports massage from Mike Barber at home, as her usual massage therapist is unavailable during restrictions. “Obviously at the moment, we’re kind of forced to and so I think again we’re trying to stick to what we’ve always done in terms of when it’s training time, we’re all in and we’re professional in what we do and when it’s time to switch off.” (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)

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Javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber prepares lunch at home following a training session geared toward the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Canberra, Australia. (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)

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Medals, including a gold from the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, are seen inside the home of javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber . (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)

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Barber rests at home following a day of training. She is holding steady in her bid for the biggest prize at Tokyo next year. “...I’m feeling very confident that, no, I’m not too afraid of actually getting the virus and secondly, no, I don’t think it’s changed my desire for Olympic gold at all. I know it’s changed the timeline and the date for that.” (Loren Elliott / REUTERS)