What’s It Like Inside the Budapest Bubble: Breeja Larson Gives a Glimpse

Photo Courtesy: Mine Kasapoglu / ISL

Breeja Larson is making the most of her time in the International Swimming League (ISL) bubble in Budapest.

While in the pool, Larson is training and racing, as she aims to help Energy Standard advance, and get herself into racing shape before leading into the 2021 Olympic trials.

Out of the water, Larson, like many ISL swimmers, who are all in the bubble on Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube River in Budapest, is trying to relax and enjoy this retreat from the hustle and bustle of life for a few weeks.

It starts with making the most of her allotted outside time on the island. Each swimmer gets 90 minutes outside on the island. Many have enjoyed the river-side walks along the Danube and the leaves in the trees, and scattered on the ground as the fall foliage is changing and adding another layer of beauty to the landscape.

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I don’t usually get the opportunity to experience autumn ?, it’s been so beautiful to see the changes in nature’s color year ?. Also, we have our second day of competition for our second match today! Watch @energystandard on CBS at 10AM eastern today!!! #islswimleague #season2 #energystandard #hungary

A post shared by Breeja Larson (@breejalarson) on Nov 2, 2020 at 1:52am PST

“The island is beautiful and has gardens and beautiful views of the river,” Breeja Larson told Swimming World.

But the rest of the days are spent indoors in the bubble. Athletes have specific time slots and room assignments for meals where swimmers sit social distanced from each other.

It is strict, but has to be because of the situation. All it takes is one positive test in the bubble to change everything.

“You have to have a mask on at all times unless you are eating or swimming,” said Larson, a 2012 Olympian and 2019 U.S. national champion in the 100 breaststroke. “The atmosphere is cautious, respectful of distance but still wonderful to have conversations with international athletes I rarely get to see year round.”

Photo Courtesy: MIKE LEWIS

With the rules, the isolation, but also the camaraderie of the ISL, athletes are enjoying everything.

“The best part of the bubble is that it’s very meditative, very calming, and secure,” Larson said. “Knowing that everyone (including hotel staff) is constantly being tested for COVID and the meals they serve are clean and healthy, and we’re surrounded by beautiful nature. Not much distraction. It’s an amazing time for self reflection, reading, studying, mediation, journaling, recovering and the occasional Netflix binge.”

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