Coronavirus: Some New Zealand sports organisations hopeful lifted lockdown brings normality to training

Some of New Zealand's top athletes remain hopeful of a return to normality if the Government moves to COVID-19 alert level three next week.

Sports Minister Grant Robertson has ruled out sports being able to resume training if the country moves out of complete lockdown, but some will be seeking an exemption. 

Despite Robertson insisting that athletes remain in their isolation bubbles, some sports are adamant they can do that and still train safely. 

Canoe racing is one of them.

CEO Tom Ashley is hopeful a return to the water may still be within the government guidelines.

"So far it looks reasonably promising that people will be able to get on the water in some capacity," Ashley told Newshub.

And they aren't the only ones hopeful of a return to normality.

Cycling New Zealand is waiting to hear whether they can access the Avantidrome, while our triathletes want to use Lake Karapiro for swim training.

And Newshub can reveal swimmer Lewis Clareburt has applied with the Wellington City Council to resume training at Freyberg Pool. 

Robertson's message though remains clear - to sit tight and keep safe.

"When it comes to level two, there remains work to do around what might be possible especially in terms of contact sport at a professional level," Robertson said.

Ashley is prepared to bide his time to get his athletes back on the water.

"There is probably a little bit that remains to be seen and some pretty strong limitations on that as well," Ashley said. 

As the waiting game continues for most sports, for others there's hope they may have seen the last of the home gyms.