Hall looks for ways to keep fit out of the pool as Paralympics postponed

With no pool to train in multiple Gold medal winning Paralympic swimmer Brenden Hall is finding new ways to keep fit to ensure he gets a spot on the team -whenever the games go ahead.

Australian Gold medallist Brenden Hall celebrates on the podium at the medal ceremony of the Men's 400m Freestyle – S9 on day 2 of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Photo by Friedemann Vogel/Getty Images

While months of hard work preparing for trials and the 2020 Tokyo Games have gone to waste three time Paralympian Brenden Hall is focusing on the positives.

The 26-year-old swimmer, who used to train in Redcliffe but is now at Burpengary under Harley Connolly, said he had been preparing himself mentally for a few weeks for the likelihood the 2020 Paralympic Games would be postponed.

The International Olympic Committee confirmed last week the games would most likely go ahead in 2021.

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“A lot of athletes were considering retiring after these games. They now have another 12 months to stretch it out. They will be happy they can sneak in the extra 12 months,” Hall said.

“I am still planning to compete next year, a lot of hard work has gone into this year to get ready for the trials in June and then the games.

Paralympic swimmer Brenden Hall poses at Lawnton Aquatic Centre at Lawnton. Photo: AAP /Claudia Baxter

“I’ve got 12 months to make sure I’m in fighting form.”

Under the guidelines from state, federal and local governments all public swimming pools have been closed. “I am just trying to maintain as healthy a lifestyle as possible,” Hall said. “Guess I just get to start my holiday break a little a few months earlier.”

Hall said he had spent a lot of time in the home gym and had also bought himself a bike. “I just need to find ways to stay active while we have the opportunity to do so,” he said.

Hall said it was vital for fellow athletes to stay in touch with each other during this tough time.

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Hall hit the headlines at the 2012 London Paralympics winning gold in the men’s 400m freestyle S9.

He also won gold and bronze as part of the men’s 4x100m freestyle 34 Points and men’s 4x100m medley 34 Points relay teams.

Hall defended the 400m Olympic title in Rio in 2016 and has eight world championship gold medals.