These top athletes who suffered from coronavirus

Text by: David Kalfa Follow

They are young, with exceptional physical condition and often an impeccable lifestyle. However, some high-level athletes have told their suffering in recent days, after being infected with the coronavirus. Testimonials.

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“ Fever, polar cold, constant headache, respiratory discomfort, immense fatigue and loss of taste and smell. I checked a lot of boxes. French footballer Pauline Peyraud-Magnin spoke on March 30, 2020 of the symptoms that have weakened and frightened her in recent days. " All the doctors I had told me that I had contracted the Covid-19, " explained the goalkeeper of Arsenal (England) and the "Bleues" during an interview broadcast on the account. Instagram of ex-player Élodie Thomis.

" It doesn't just happen to others "

Pauline Peyraud-Magnin is far from the first high-level athlete to have probably contracted the coronavirus. His compatriot, volleyball player Earvin Ngapeth, was hospitalized in Russia for several days. The tricolor star did not dwell on the details but had warned from his bed: " Stay well everyone at home, it does not happen to others. "

Argentinian footballer Paulo Dybala tells of a tiring recovery without being serious. " I can move better, so I think I will try to train again. Because when I tried these last few days, I felt that I was weakening too quickly. I was running out of air and there was nothing I could do , said the Juventus Turin striker. After five minutes, I felt very tired, I felt that my body was very heavy. The muscles were sore and I had to stop . ”

The torments of Cameron van der Burgh

Many athletes deal with mild and / or strange symptoms, such as the loss of smell and taste described by NBA basketball player Rudy Gobert. But not everyone is doing as well, like the South African swimmer Cameron van der Burgh. " I have been fighting with the Covid-19 for 14 days ," wrote the 2012 Olympic champion on March 22. By far the worst virus I have ever endured despite being a healthy individual with strong lungs (no smoking / sports), leading a healthy life and being young . ” The 31-year-old retiree added: " Although the most severe symptoms (high fever) have subsided, I continue to struggle with severe general fatigue and a residual cough. Any physical activity such as walking leaves me exhausted for hours . "

The Pretoria native is neither the first nor the last athlete to be tormented by the coronavirus. Colombian cyclist Fernando Gaviria, diagnosed with Covid-19 during the Tour of the United Arab Emirates, has just finished four weeks in hospital: “ I would like to say a big thank you to all those who supported me during my recovery period. I hope that this extraordinary period that we are all experiencing can soon come to an end and that we can return to normalcy. "

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