As COVID-19 continues to keep people in lockdown, many sporting athletes around the world are also learning new skills.

Being isolated provides many of these athletes the time they’ve always wanted to share with their loved ones.

Fiji Airways Fijiana XVs tight head prop and former captain, Lailanie Burnes, took this lockdown as an opportunity to try out new things and learn new skills.

During the past few weeks Burnes has been busy trying out carpentry at home.

She has been learning the trade by building a pantry and fixing other household furniture.

Burnes explained that staying in quarantine enabled her to get out of her comfort zone and into the learning zone.

She emphasised how moments like this can help anyone explore their potential, trying out new things they’ve never done before.

“Now that I have the time I’ve learnt to cook new dishes I hadn’t tried before.

“I’ve built a pantry and even tried my hand at installing a new security system which has been fun and interesting.

“I head down to the beach which is in itself pretty isolated and hardly has anyone there and go for runs with my dog.

“Other than that I do body weight exercises and lots of yard work at home like cutting the grass.”

Burnes is also conveying a message on capabilities women have, not being dependent, and being able to step out of their comfort zone and changing the norm.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj