A new wave of COVID-19 fears has emerged, sparking concerns among organizers and athletes alike, just three years after the pandemic forced the Tokyo Olympics to take place behind closed doors.
According to report, the virus has forced athletes to withdraw from events at the Paris Games and has others donning masks again.
Several athletes have tested positive, including Australian swimmer Lani Pallister.
Lani Pallister was a medal hope in the women’s 1500 metres freestyle but had to withdraw from the event.
A team spokeswoman disclosed that the decision was made to save Pallister’s energy for the 4x200m freestyle relay which starts on Thursday.
Likewise, British swimmer Adam Peaty, tested positive a day after he just missed out on 100m breaststroke gold, sharing silver with American Nic Fink.
He has now said he would focus on a “fast, full recovery” to give his best in relays later in the week.
“Adam’s okay, he’s not dying. He’s alright, just a bit of a cold,” Peaty’s British teammate Matt Richards said after his 100m freestyle heat on Tuesday.
“We’ll avoid it (COVID) as best as we can,” Richards said. But “we’re here to race. If we get a little bit ill whilst we’re racing we’ll keep racing. It’s how we do it.”
Several Australian women’s water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 in the days leading up to the opening ceremony, forcing them to isolate from other team members.
However, the team played on Tuesday, smashing Serbia 8-3.
Reuters/NAN.
