Tess Losacker an international athlete from Germany gets ready for a practice...READ ON
Tess Losacker an international athlete from Germany gets ready for a practice session. Due to the pandemic, Losacker lost her position on the college athletic team and now competes as an independent athlete.
Pandemic Obstacles
COVID-19 forced people to retreat and remain isolated from each other. This isolation had a hard-hitting effect on sports.
Tess Losacker, an international student from Germany, pursued her athletic career at Columbia college in the United States. Due to the pandemic, schools and colleges began to operate remotely; as a result, Losacker had to go back to Germany. When universities resumed, the in-person education locker was unable to secure her position on the athletic team.
She now competes as an independent athlete and trains on her own. Although her coach in Germany guides her, she has no aid in the US. Losacker has to manage education, training, and maintains fitness without the support of The university or athletic agencies.
Losacker has to overcome a number of obstacles that come with being an international student pursuing a career as an independent athlete, especially in the middle of a global pandemic
Tess Losacker put her socks on before her training session. It has been a...READ ON
Tess Losacker put her socks on before her training session. It has been a challenge for athletes globally to train while remaining socially distant. "We have to be creative," Losacker said as she mentioned using bicycle stands to work out.
Tess Losacker soaks in the morning sun during an early morning training...READ ON
Tess Losacker soaks in the morning sun during an early morning training session "I feel so alive when I'm on the track," said Tess.
Tess Losacker sprints during one of her training sessions. "I was just...READ ON
Tess Losacker sprints during one of her training sessions. "I was just flying," Losacker said "This is what I live for."
Tess Losacker sprints during one of her training sessions. She reposts her...READ ON
Tess Losacker sprints during one of her training sessions. She reposts her progress to her mentor in Berlin every evening. "It's tough to motivate yourself to train alone," Losacker said.
Tess Losacker and Logan high-five after a successful training session on...READ ON
Tess Losacker and Logan high-five after a successful training session on Sunday, April 16, 2021, in Columbia, MO. Since the COVID-19 pandemic athletes were not allowed to practice in large groups. Tess works out with a trusted group of people to keep herself safe.
Tess Losacker stretches after a training session. "Everything hurts and...READ ON
Tess Losacker stretches after a training session. "Everything hurts and I'm dying," Losacker said. "But it feels so good."
Tess meditates and listens to music on Wednesday morning April 28, 2021, at...READ ON
Tess meditates and listens to music on Wednesday morning April 28, 2021, at her apartment in Columbia, MO. Managing studies and training on her own can get overwhelming at times. She said mediating and listening to music helps her calm down.
Tess Losacker makes her weekly schedule on Monday, April 26, 2021, at her...READ ON
Tess Losacker makes her weekly schedule on Monday, April 26, 2021, at her apartment in Columbia. As an independent athlete, Losacker manages classes and training on her own. Her practice sessions are erratic ranging from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Tess Losacker relaxes in her apartment on Wednesday morning April 28, 2021,...READ ON
Tess Losacker relaxes in her apartment on Wednesday morning April 28, 2021, in Columbia, MO. She said reading gives her a way to escape reality for a while.
Tess Losacker taking fish oil supplements on Monday, April 26, 2021, in...READ ON
Tess Losacker taking fish oil supplements on Monday, April 26, 2021, in Columbia, MO. Due to her hectic schedule, it is not possible to get all the required nourishment through her meals, said Tess. "These supplements help me stay healthy."
Tess Losacker eats dinner after a late evening practice session. She uses an...READ ON
Tess Losacker eats dinner after a late evening practice session. She uses an icepack to soothe the pain in her ankle after the intense training. "Since I am not on the team I don't have access to subsidized physiotherapy. I need to take care of these injuries on my own. This is slowing down progress," Losacker said.
Pandemic Obstacles
COVID-19 forced people to retreat and remain isolated from each other. This isolation had a hard-hitting effect on sports.
Tess Losacker, an international student from Germany, pursued her athletic career at Columbia college in the United States. Due to the pandemic, schools and colleges began to operate remotely; as a result, Losacker had to go back to Germany. When universities resumed, the in-person education locker was unable to secure her position on the athletic team.
She now competes as an independent athlete and trains on her own. Although her coach in Germany guides her, she has no aid in the US. Losacker has to manage education, training, and maintains fitness without the support of The university or athletic agencies.
Losacker has to overcome a number of obstacles that come with being an international student pursuing a career as an independent athlete, especially in the middle of a global pandemic
Tanishka R. Photojournalist and Picture Editor based in Columbia, Mo.
I am a South Asian photojournalist and picture editor based in the American Midwest. I am interested in telling stories that show hope amidst adversity, focusing on the themes of race, social inequity, and the environment.