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What the world's sporting greats are doing during hiatus

As world sport comes to a halt during the coronavirus pandemic, athletes are finding numerous ways to keep fit and busy in self-isolation.

LeBron James has enjoyed sharing a dance with his children as he shows off his moves on Tik Tok, while footballers such Lionel Messi are encouraging others to take part in a toilet paper challenge.

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Here is what some of the world’s biggest stars are doing to keep themselves entertained, like the rest of us, while in self-isolation:

LeBron James continues Tik Tok chronicles

LeBron has been active on social media since the NBA shut down in dramatic fashion.

Never shy to bust a move, this weekend, LeBron posted a Tik Tok video dancing with his children.

He captioned it: ‘Quarantined Tik Tok chronicles’.

Steph Curry has always been pretty handy on the golf course.

But his time in self-isolation has proven fruitful for his short game as he posts videos of trick shots from around the house.

One particularly impressive shot involved him chipping a ping pong ball against the door and into a cup.

His reaction said it all.

Messi and Henry join ‘Toilet Paper Challenge’

Footballers have been taking part in the ‘Toilet paper roll challenge’ or the ‘10 touch challenge’ as they challenge friends and other footballers to take part in isolation.

The challenge involves footballers showing off your skill with toilet paper, which has been a commodity shops have been running out of as the world goes into lockdown, as they juggle or perform tricks.

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Athletes will then challenge someone else, all in the aim to spread the word to keep active and stay indoors.

Barcelona forward and six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi took part in juggling the toilet paper for the camera.

Real Madrid star Marcelo also showed off his skills juggling the toilet roll, while teammate Sergio Ramos added his own flavour to the challenge and decided to practice his basketball as he threw socks into a cap.

Thierry Henry, while not reaching 10 juggles, certainly showed why he is considered one of the greatest forwards ever with an impressive show of skill.

Conor McGregor kicks coronavirus

UFC star Conor McGregor has been sending his best wishes around to fans around the world during these difficult times.

‘The Notorious’ even posted a photo of himself training, but had edited the ‘coronavirus’ image onto his training partner as he kicked him.

The image was captioned: “Take that, corona virus.”

Daniel Ricciardo goes for a drive

With the F1 coming to a grinding halt, Aussie F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo decided to take a slower route on his weekend.

Tennis World No.24 Donna Vekic (pictured left) smiling and rollerblading, Daniel Ricciardo (pictured middle) singing and pointing and Conor McGregor (pictured right) throwing a kick.
Tennis World No.24 Donna Vekic (pictured left) rollerblading, Daniel Ricciardo (pictured middle), and Conor McGregor (pictured right) training. (Instagram)

While he may not be driving around in a Renault, the Aussie was in good sprits as he joked around in what appeared to be a tractor.

Ricciardo filmed himself with a GoPro singing along and acknowledging passersby (if there were any) with a subtle nod of his hat.

Federer and Djokovic reach out

In that regard, 20-time Grand Slam champ Roger Federer’s latest public service announcement about the threat of COVID-19 is one of the most important he's made in a glittering tennis career.

With competitions suspended around the world, Federer has been among the many sporting stars self-isolating in a bid to combat the deadly global pandemic.

“I’m also staying home, and I haven’t been shaking anybody’s hands for quite some time now,” Federer said.

“I wash my hands very frequently as we’re supposed to. I believe helping each other is more important now than ever, especially because we want to help the older generation.”

World No.1 Novak Djokovic posted a photo of himself with his family during play-time with his children during isolation.

He also wished everyone the best during these unprecedented times.

WTA World No.24 Donna Vekic wasn’t in complete self-isolation six days ago and was able to enjoy the stunning backdrop in Osijek, Croatia, as she enjoyed a childhood activity.

“Mixing it up with exercise today since all the gyms are closed, back to my favourite childhood activity!” she wrote.