By Simon Jennings
YANQING, China (Reuters) – Australian Katie Parker could miss the women’s ski slalom after testing positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Beijing on Tuesday and going into isolation, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) said.
The 23-year-old has already missed Monday’s giant slalom; Australian media reported she had departed late after previously testing positive in Australia. The slalom is scheduled for Wednesday.
The tests used in China are believed to be more sensitive than those used in many other countries, meaning Parker could have been cleared to fly but still shown up as positive on landing.
In order to make her Olympic debut in Beijing, she would have to register three negative tests.
Australia’s team chief Geoff Lipshut said Parker had known the risks before travelling.
“If Katie returns further positive tests, it will be impossible for her to compete in the women’s slalom tomorrow,” he said. “That is the unfortunate reality.
“A further positive test … also means there’s every chance she will be required to go into an isolation hotel, given she is not symptomatic.”
The AOC said the results of a second, confirmatory test and third test would be known on Wednesday morning.
“We will be doing everything in our power to ensure that Katie receives all the support and care possible, whatever the outcome,” Lipshut said. “Our focus is ensuring she is well looked after.”
Australian curler Tahli Gill returned a series of positive tests on Saturday and was placed in isolation ahead of a planned return to Australia – but was cleared by a medical expert panel a day later to continue, under the Games’ close contact arrangements.
Lipshut added that the AOC was hoping for a similarly “good outcome” with Parker.
Some 159 Olympic athletes or staff have tested positive either at the airport in Beijing or in the ‘closed loop’ of competitors and officials since Jan. 23, with some placed in isolation in special locations.
Numerous athletes and team officials have complained about the quality of the isolation quarters and called for more space and better food, internet access and training equipment.
(Reporting by Simon Jennings; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
