Even though the Tokyo Summer Olympics have been postponed to 2021, one of its athletes is still keeping busy.
Five-time Olympic gold medalist and U.S. competitive swimmer Nathan Adrian is currently active in multiple aid campaigns to donate to and to pay tribute to healthcare workers.
Most recently, he and other sports champions were part of #ThisMedalIsForYou, dedicating their medals from the Pan American Games to those working the front lines in the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to appreciate and give thanks to thousands of people,” Adrian said in the video message.
In addition, Adrian’s marketing agency, Octagon, helped launch the website athletesrelief.org last month, according to NBC Sports.
All donations go to coronavirus relief, specifically for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) COVID-19 Response Fund. If someone donates at least $25 by June 1, their name will be entered to win signed memorabilia from their favorite athlete.
“If any of my fellow athletes would like to join in, leave a comment below with a signed item you’d like to donate and we’ll add it,” Adrian said on Instagram. In response, other Olympic swimming and water polo champions such as Natalie Coughlin, Ryan Murphy, Maggie Steffens, and Summer Sanders offered their help.
Adrian’s fund has so far raised $2,907 as of today, with the prizes varying from a speedo racing suit signed by Adrian to other autographed shirts, board games, and more from other athletes.
Adrian also announced one of his sponsors, Corepower will team up with Frontline Foods to provide meals to healthcare workers.
“The cool part about was how the rest of the swim community started rallying around the cause,” Adrian said to NBC Sports. “It’s really cool to be part of a community that wants to help, that wants to do something during this time.”
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