The current world’s situation not only cut short the season of all biathletes, but it also forced many of them to face the fears and restrictions of all people. Slovakia’s Paulina Fialkova was among the ones that had to fly back home on hurry, following government’s decisions. Before the situation improved in her country and could start going out again, she, like so many people around the globe, had to deal with isolation in quarantine. The 27 year old described for us what her days were like during this time and the process of acceptance, as well as self-discovery that went on with it.

After the last world cup in Kontiolahti, we arrived in Slovakia with a government´s special flight. Once we landed, we went directly to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. But we were lucky because we could stay at home. Had we come back only one day later, this option would have not been possible anymore: things changed and everyone coming from outlands had to go to state quarantine. So for two weeks, I stayed at home in my flat alone, because my boyfriend still had to go to work and so could not stay in quarantine.

The first two days were the only “crisis” days in my quarantine, the most difficult ones. I could not imagine what I was going to do closed "within four walls". It was only after this initial disbelief, that I understood that it was a chance to finally clean up my flat after I moved in December. And also clean up inside me. Every day was similar, but nonetheless this is one of more active ones and I want to share it with you:

I woke up around 10am because I didn´t have any alarm set. After a full season, it felt good to be able to stay in my comfy bed 30 minutes longer. I checked what was going on over IG, FB and for sure some news…. Finally, I had breakfast around 11am with coffee. To have breakfast so late is my dream. Actually, I somehow lived my dreams in quarantine, I just missed the beach, the sun… but I made the best out of it.

After breakfast I cleaned the dust, washed my clothes and some more house activities.

Before my next meal it was good to practice some short sport´s activity. I hopped on my stationary bicycle and I must admit that the first time it went faster than usual. Maybe because I watched TV at the same time? Then, I did some stretching and stabilization exercises.

After that, I decided to cook and opted for a traditional Slovak meat dish for my "lunch". Pork with dumplings and red cabbage. During quarantine, one of my biggest achievement was to find the way how to slice an onion without crying... My lunch was ready at 3pm.

Outside, on the balcony, there was still little sun. So, it was best time to go "out", breathe fresh air, and finally read that one-month-old magazine which was waiting for me. I also prepared the second coffee of the day and called with my best friends. My boyfriend brought me shopping for the next few days. I could only see him through the eyelet on the door… It was only after he had left, that I opened the door and took the shopping inside.

I turned on TV again for the news at 7pm. Then, I warmed up fried rice (my favourite food!) from the previous day’s leftovers and poured myself a glass of wine. I´m wine lover, so I really enjoyed this part of the day.

After shower, I landed on my couch. I finally finished watching Suits while I was savouring my new tweak: frozen grapes… try it!

I went to the bed around midnight.

After the initial struggle, I wasn´t bored anytime. I enjoyed the simple things, peace, and I´m sure, it was also one lessons in life.

Photo courtesy of Paulina Fialkova and Igor Stancik