Fans Are Back

"Race fans stand for the U.S. national anthem at Delaware International Speedway on June 6, 2020 in Delmar, Delaware. Last week, Delaware International Speedway reopened without spectators for the first time since being closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to reports on their website, as a part of the agreement for reopening with the State of Delaware due to coronavirus, masks and face coverings were required, along with other safety measures, for all spectators entering the raceway."

Looking back since March, it's interesting how quickly things have changed in both ways from the start of the Coronavirus. 

Early during the pandemic, fans were barred from attending all sporting events.

In the first week of June, I discovered that Delaware International Speedway would allow fans to return to their raceway. This was marked with those in attendance would be required to wear masks and face coverings if entering the raceway to help prevent the spread of the pandemic.

To my knowledge, it was one of the first times fans were allowed back to watch action. Yet now, about two and half months later, leagues are working on either getting fans back or already have had them back.

The new normal is still being sorted, but looking back at this, it was an interesting evening.

Home Court Advantage

"Professional WTA Tennis player Sophie Chang of the United States returns balls that are served by her father, Robert, via a tennis ball machine her grandmother's farm on June 3, 2020 in Havre de Grace, Maryland."

It hasn't been easy when searching for professionals athletes training during Covid-19, but that's what makes each shoot amazing.

The first step is always finding someone with a unique regimen. Then it's connecting with them and finally executing candidly.

A lot of problem is communication. Athletes, agents are busy - and finding a time that works for both of us is also a challenge.

With that in mind, I've driven over six hours each way to photograph some of the best athletes trying to stay in shape during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Willing to drive anywhere - I did that March through May. Long drives in the car, met by short workouts, then to turn back around. That was until I discovered professional WTA Tennis player Sophie Chang. She lived within minutes of my home.

Chang, who typically travels 30 weeks a year to compete professionally, at the time was training at her grandmother's farm - the very place she hit her first ball. Any tennis players oasis - a full size court to hit balls steps from her bed.

She continues to chase her dreams of a Grand Slam victory despite the pandemic postponing play through July. That will be a special day for Chang and her family knowing that she started here and returned to here roots during a tough time for all.

Hand-to-Hand Combat

"Clint Connelly and Steve Golub (R) arm wrestle during the Frederick County Maryland Arm Wrestling Team's practice at the home of Sergey Svetlikov on May 31, 2020 in Mount Airy, Maryland."

In March, the NBA postponed their season and the Covid-19 pandemic was officially here in the United States.

I knew sports would still go on, but then nearly every other professional sport worldwide followed and canceled and postponed.

However, other sports had to find a way to get people to compete. So I made it a mission to find those still competing.

One of the more unique was arm wrestling.

In a world where social distancing and physical contact with others was strongly advised - one cannot simply arm wrestling without doing both of the aforementioned.

Hosted by Russian native Sergey Svetlikov, who once competed in Russia, he got his groups togethe to pracice after a long pause due to the coronavirus.

Like these gentlemen, they continued to chase their passion, compete during this challenging time in the safest way possible. I only hope others do the same.