US Olympic gymnast tests positive for COVID days before Tokyo games start

Things are starting to get complicated for the US gymnastics team ahead of their quest for Olympic gold.

A replacement for the team tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, according to U.S. Olympic officials. The gymnast’s name has not been announced, but she is between 10 and 19 years old.

“The health and safety of our athletes, coaches and staff is our top priority. We can confirm that a replacement for the women’s artistic gymnastics team has tested positive for COVID-19, ”the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee said in a statement. “In accordance with local rules and protocols, the athlete was transferred to a hotel for quarantine. Out of respect for the privacy of the individual, we cannot provide more information at this time.

The gymnast tested positive during training in Narita, 35 miles from Tokyo. She stayed in their travel accommodations and practiced in places, but did not spend time in the city. However, she still contracted the virus.

The Unknown Gymnast is the first known case of COVID-19 among Olympians in the United States. Now, she will quarantine herself in her hotel room with a teammate, who was considered “close contact”. Kayla DiCello, Kara Eaker, Emma Malabuyo and Leanne Wong are the four substitutes for the squad.

The United States has already seen many Olympians withdraw from the event due to COVID. Coco Gauff, the 25th tennis player in the world, and basketball star Bradley Beal have already been sent home for testing positive. Currently, there have been 58 cases of COVID-19 linked to the Olympics.