Column: With sports on hold, athletes take up new pursuits

FILE - In this July 24, 2019, file photo, Hali Flickinger swims in the women's 200m butterfly semifinal at the World Swimming Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. With sports still largely on hold because of the coronavirus outbreak, some athletes and coaches have taken advantage of the unexpected free time to try new things, or maybe brush up on an old hobby. For Olympic swimmer Hali Flickinger, it's gardening and home renovations. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) looks to block during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Atlanta. With sports still largely on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, athletes and coaches have been looking for ways to pass all that unexpected free time. For Atlanta Falcons lineman Jake Matthews, it's brushing up on his grilling skills. (AP Photo/Michael Zarrilli, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2019, file photo, Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia addresses the media after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, in Detroit. With sports still largely on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, athletes and coaches have been looking for ways to pass all that unexpected free time. For Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia, it's strumming a ukulele. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)