Cherisse Murray was challenged by the transition to online classes at the University of Alabama in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Toco athlete, however, successfully made the adjustment.

“It has been a struggle with regards to my studies,” Murray told the Sunday Express, “mainly because I prefer in-class teaching rather than online sessions. With the pandemic, all my classes were strictly moved to an online setting. I knew I had to work very hard, and in the end I came out successful with a 4.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) this semester.

“I am currently at Alabama as a transfer student from Central Arizona College, completing my Bachelor’s in Communication Studies with a Business Minor.”

Heavy restrictions in the United States because of the coronavirus outbreak affected Murray’s training programme.

“My ability to train was very limited at first,” the Toco thrower explained. “However, with time and people in my community following the guidelines for the most part, things are starting to open back up. Restrictions have eased up a lot. I am now able to be outside and get my training in, even if it has to be in a parking lot or at a high school.

“The ease has made a big difference. In the beginning of the pandemic, I more or less had to visualise myself in the circle and the gym, but now, having the opportunity to be outside gives me some hope and comfort in preparing for the upcoming athletic year.”

Before the 2020 American collegiate track and field season was aborted, Murray secured women’s shot put bronze at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Indoor Championships, in Texas, with a 16.17 metres throw. Her personal best is 16.49, a distance she achieved in winning the 2018 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) outdoor title for Central Arizona. Murray also secured shot put gold that year at the NJCAA Indoor Championships. She retained the indoor title in 2019, and earned silver at the Outdoor Championships.

Murray does not expect to compete for the remainder of the 2020 season. Instead, she has fixed her eyes on 2021 and the 18.50m Olympic qualifying standard.

“My goals for 2021 are to get better, stronger and to remain healthy. Also, I will like to throw the Olympic standard to qualify for my first Olympics. With God, anything is possible. I believe that having an extra year has its pros and cons with all that is currently happening, but at the same time I am looking at the bigger picture of actually having more time to prepare mentally and physically.”

Covid-19 has been a time of reflection for Murray.

“This pandemic has allowed me to really appreciate my achievements thus far both as a student and an athlete. I will like to encourage everyone to remain positive in this time of distress.”