US Olympic gymnast tests positive for COVID days before Tokyo games start
Amid heightened concerns over COVID-19, the US women’s gymnastics team has elected to stay in a hotel rather than board in Tokyo’s Olympic Village.
“It was also a decision that we all made together, we know it isn’t ideal for the Olympic experience but nothing is ideal during a pandemic,” Cecile Landi, the coach for both Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, wrote on Twitter on Sunday.“We feel like we can control the athletes and our safety better in a hotel setting!”
On Monday, Kara Eaker, an alternate on the team, became the first known COVID-19 case among US Olympians. Eaker, who is vaccinated, tested positive in an Olympic training camp in Narita, Japan. She is currently in quarantine, as is Leanne Wong, a fellow alternate and training mate who was deemed a close contact.
“The entire delegation continues to be vigilant and will maintain strict protocols while they are in Tokyo,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement Monday.
