The present editorial remains nothing more than a snapshot; written at a moment in timewhen much about the future of sport remains uncertain, seen from a specific set of per-spectives, contexts and linguistic frames of reference. Much remains to be done to ensurethe long-term survival of many sports, and we would argue that sociologists of sport couldand should play an important role in producing knowledge about how sport can weatherthe storm. Over the forthcoming months, as sociological researchers shift from producingcommentaries or opinion pieces towards the production of scientifically robust empiricaland theoretical work, we are confident their contribution will be hugely valuable in severalways. This work might encapsulate the extent to which inequalities have been highlightedby the pandemic. It might help understand the challenges facing sports organisations, orthe difficulties of producing applicable policies and actions to support sport. We hope wecan begin to higlight how athletic careers and coaching have been affected, and how tosafeguard the most vulnerable in society during exercise. Equally, we might conductresearch withsome other aim that exists beyond this paper. Whatever the case, we hopethat out of the present darkness, light can and will emerge. What`s more, we hope sociolo-gists could be at the forefront of this. Perhaps the recognition of inequality can lead to thereallocation of public and private funds. Perhaps the fragility or robustness of specificsports systems will lead to new ways of conceptualising how sport should be organised.Perhaps awareness of the difficulties faced by specific populations will lead us to recon-sider the way in which sport and healthcare resources are utilised in new, more ethicaland inclusive ways. Perhaps the intersection of the virus with environmental stresses andthe recognition of the wastefulness of our previously globalised version of sport will lead us to rethink the very nature of sport and the sports`industry.` Perhaps this is a chance fora new beginning. Perhaps. Finally, and most importantly, however, we wish good health to all, and offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved at this most difficult of times.
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