Abstract

These are extraordinary times. Less because we are currently in the midst of a global pandemic;
humanity has been here multiple times in the past, sometimes with even more devastating
results (the ‘Black Death’ of 1346–1353, or Cocolitzli Epidemics in the 16th
Century, for example). Rather, these are extraordinary times due to both the huge shutting
down of industry, travel and borders, and the enormous level of coverage and discussion
of the crisis through both traditional and social media formats (Stevens & Prins, 2020).
Moreover, global, regional and national comparisons and discussions have become commonplace
with regards to everything from healthcare preparedness and the social
response to financial pressures, work-life balance considerations and environmental concerns.
Perhaps as a consequence, pop-up ‘experts’ on the characteristics of the virus, its
real (and imagined) socio-economic, cultural and social impacts, and what it might mean
for the future have filled our television and computer screens, the airwaves and social
media feeds. Experts, professionals and others from fields as diverse as psychology, economics
and politics continue to provide such commentary, and a frankly enormous volume
of ‘COVID-190 related content has begun to fill the print and electronic pages of our existence.
Such content is also now beginning to focus upon the implications of the virus for
sport, exercise and physical activity.