"Sun, sand, and sea," were the first words to pop into Amelia Peterson's head, and the conversation shifted to food, clear-water beaches, and tourism shortly after that. Peterson is from Nassau, the capital and largest city of The Bahamas, and her days that would typically encompass fun under the sun, have now been overtaken by Netflix.

This is what happens when the prime minister orders a 24-hour lockdown in the wake of COVID-19. The country-wide order urges its citizens to shelter in place and includes a 9 p.m. curfew for non-essential workers.  

In early April, a food shopping schedule advised each household to identify a single shopper, and individuals are required to provide photo identification at grocery stores to show proof of last name.

When Peterson was asked what her days are like now, the Western Illinois junior responded, "Home," with a chuckle.

"Homebound, homework, working out in the backyard, painting, and Netflix," she said. "I recently started watching Grey's Anatomy and can't get enough."

Peterson is quarantining with her parents and younger sister, but social media keeps her connected to her track and field teammates.

She left the indoor season just a few meters shy of a bronze medal, and that performance became her muse as she prepared for the outdoor slate.

Unbeknownst to her, that chance at redemption was going to have to wait a little while longer. 

While on spring break, the Leathernecks received news that COVID-19 was canceling their outdoor season, two weeks before it was scheduled to begin.

"I was disappointed because I know how hard, not only for myself, but the entire team had been training. We were ready for this outdoor season, and knew we had to bring it," said Peterson. "The indoor season hyped us up. We did well this year, especially the jumpers, but outdoor is our favorite place to be as track and field athletes.

"It was disappointing, but I understand it was for the best with everything going on."

Peterson finished the 2020 indoor season with a team-best triple jump of 11.83 meters. The effort finished fourth at the Summit League Championships, and ranks fifth all-time in Western's women's indoor history.

More than a jumper, she also created history running the third leg of a 4x200 at last year's Drake Relays. The women's list saw only two relays crack the 'Top 10' in the last two decades, and Peterson's became the third with a time of 1:41.43.

"That was such an eye-opening experience to be around so many people at the Drake Relays. I didn't do any jumping, but we ran against some big schools, schools we don't normally get to compete against. We ran two races on the same day, and it was cold, but it was exhilarating

"I was so excited to go there for my event this year, but we'll have to wait until next year."

Peterson is a multi-event Leatherneck, jumps, sprints, and relays. But out of all of them, jumping is closest to her heart; especially, during the outdoor season. Sun and sand, remember.

Whenever she takes to the track next, you'll SEE her give her all. 

Sun. Sand. Sea.