Photo: Michael Kappeler/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
Over the past year, many Americans have lost their jobs or businesses as the country tries to keep the economy afloat amid the ongoingcoronavirus pandemic.
“This pandemic has thrown a wrench in so many people’s lives,” Adrian says. “I am fortunate to still be able to do my job. I mean, so many, in so many industries, have been absolutely devastated and I absolutely feel for them through this time. I’m very thankful for the position that I’m in.”
Martin Meissner/AP
Adrian, 32, says that waiting in limbo for the postponement decision was a trying time for him and many other athletes.
“They put off the postponement for so long that it got really, really stressful,” says Adrian. “It was really difficult for athletes, especially those athletes in the United States that are maybe younger, or don’t have the resources to be absolutely certain that they would have a place to train or a place to facilitate that training.”
AP/REX/Shutterstock
“I mean, we have a long enough lead time now that, you know — barring anything crazy or unforeseen — it will be able to run smoothly, in my opinion,” says Adrian.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The eight-time medalist says he has so much to be thankful for in 2021, including his health. Adrian announced in January 2019 that he had beendiagnosed with testicular cancer. The swimmer underwent several surgeries and was cleared to get back into the pool that following February.
Nathan Adrian/Instagram
“I’m feeling great. All things considered, where we were a month ago, I’m back in the water, I’m training,” he said on theTodayshow at the time. “My doctors lifted all the restrictions, so it’s about getting back on track where we need to be.”
“All our delivery partners including the national government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the IOC and the IPC [International Paralympic Committee] are fully focused on hosting the games this summer,” the local organizing committee said in a statement, according toESPN. “We hope that daily life can return to normal as soon as possible, and we will continue to make every effort to prepare for a safe and secure games.”
To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visitTeamUSA.org. Watch the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer on NBC.
source: people.com
