Where were you when the news dropped about all sports being cancelled for the rest of the year?
I was staying on campus at that time. I didn't have very specific plans for spring break, so I decided to stay on campus during that time and keep training since the outdoor season opener was right around the corner. I definitely did not expect that kind of news to drop so suddenly.
What was your initial reaction once the news dropped?
Even though I understood the seriousness of the pandemic in the U.S., I was shocked and quite disappointed in the cancelling of the season. At first I hoped that it's just temporary but I realized pretty quick that it's a permanent decision which will not get changed.
With all of your family residing in Poland and with borders from multiple nations closing, how hard was it to travel and get back to your family?
That's a really good question. Poland was one of the first countries in Europe to close their borders and implement safety precautions. Soon after that, US closed their boarders as well, so as citizen of Poland yes, I would be able to go home but, right after I land I would need to spend 14 days isolated in quarantine. Also, being unsure of how long the pandemic is going to last in the United States, there was no guarantee that I will be able to come back (here) in the time needed since the borders where closed for non-US citizens. I was put in really tough position and needed to decide what to do. After talking to my family, we all decided that it will be safer for me to stay in U.S. until the whole situation is resolved. I am staying on campus right now, safe and isolated so that's all it matters.
What is it like being on campus right now?
Honestly, it's pretty lonely since there is very limited amount of students on campus right now. It kind of feels like a ghost city. But we are accommodated, provided with food so I am grateful for that. I am just trying to keep myself busy as much as I can.
What are some things that you are doing to keep busy during quarantine?
I work-out regularly in my room and go for a run around campus every once in a while to keep me in shape. I am also graduate student in the biology department, so I am going to my lab a few times a week to conduct some essays and finish my ongoing experiments. I am just trying to be productive and make the best out of this quarantine.
Any concerns about the possibility of not being able to finish your classes this semester?
Not really, all my professors are very understanding and we all adjusted pretty well to the online classes format. I am hoping for a successful ending of this semester.
Do you graduate this semester?
No, I have one more year to go. I am hoping to graduate in May 2021.
Has any of your family or friends contracted the coronavirus?
Thankfully no, most of them stay isolated at home as much as possible.
The NCAA has given all spring athletes an extra year of eligibility, is that something you will take advantage of?
This decision is still up in the air. My situation is little different because this year was already my 5th year running collegiate track, so I definitely feel incomplete by cancelling the outdoor season. The decision to run next outdoor season is big commitment and I am thinking about it. I am in touch with my coaches and we will see what my future holds. If I do take advantage of this chance, it would be my sixth year in collegiate sports which is pretty unusual for an athlete.
So far in Katarzyna Rosikon's cross country/track & field career she has won three events: Placing first the mile run at the Eastern Shore Invite/Combined Events (Feb. 2, 2018), first place in the 3000 meter at the New Captains Classic & Combined Events (Apr. 20, 2018), Another first place finish in the 3000 meters at the HBCU Battle (Jan. 20, 2020) and finished nine other events in the top three.