U.S. Pole Vaulter Sam Kendricks Tests Positive for Covid-19 at Olympic Games

U.S. pole vaulter Sam Kendricks examined constructive for covid-19 on the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, in keeping with the Twitter account of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Kendricks, who holds the U.S. document for pole vaulting, reportedly has no signs however has been pressured to withdraw from the Games and enter lodge quarantine in Tokyo.

“We are saddened to confirm that Sam Kendricks tested positive for COVID-19 and will not compete in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” the committee tweeted early Thursday, U.S. time.

“In alignment with local rules and protocols, he has been transferred to a hotel to be placed in isolation and is being supported by the USATF and USOPC staff,” the Twitter account continued.

“Sam is an incredible and accomplished member of Team USA and his presence will be missed. Out of respect for his privacy, we cannot provide more information at this time.”

Athletes from different international locations that have been coaching in the identical Tokyo services as Kendricks at the moment are in self-isolation as they await their very own exams. At least 63 members from the Australian monitor and discipline workforce are at present ready of their lodge rooms as a result of they’ve been categorised as shut contact of Kendricks, in keeping with the Sydney Morning Herald.

“Members of Australia’s track and field team at the Tokyo Olympic Games are isolating in their rooms as a precautionary measure following news of a COVID positive finding with a member of the US track and field team,” the Australian Olympic Committee advised the Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday.

“Members of the Australian track and field team are now undergoing testing procedures in line with Australian Olympic team protocols.”

Curiously, Kendricks’ father and co-coach posted after which deleted an Instagram submit that confirmed his son’s covid-19 analysis. It’s not instantly clear why the submit was deleted.

“Today in Tokyo, officials informed Sam that his daily test for Cov 19 was positive, So he is out of the competition. He feels fine and has no symptoms. Love you son. See you soon. #rancho_olympia #polevaulting” the Instagram submit from father and coach Scott Kendricks mentioned, in keeping with NBC News.

The 28-year-old Kendricks gained a bronze medal on the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and was thought-about a contender for the gold medal at this 12 months’s Olympic Games.

Kendricks is not less than the third member of the American workforce to check constructive for covid-19 since arriving in Japan, together with seashore volleyball participant Taylor Crabb and ladies’s gymnastics alternate Kara Eaker, in keeping with USA Today. Other American athletes didn’t even make it to Tokyo earlier than needing to drop out from the Olympic Games as a result of they examined constructive to the coronavirus at dwelling.

Japan is battling a surge of covid-19 infections, with its medical system at a breaking point, in keeping with native well being authorities. But political leaders have been adamant that the Games, already delayed from 2020, proceed regardless that the pandemic is way from over in a lot of the world.

Japan recorded 4,699 instances of covid-19 on Wednesday and 18 deaths. The U.S. reported 84,735 new instances and 273 deaths from the illness.

The pole vaulting competitions begin on Saturday morning Tokyo time, Friday evening ET, which is especially dangerous timing for the athletes who’re thought-about shut contacts of Kendricks. It’s not but clear whether or not athletes who had contact with Kendricks will likely be allowed to compete anytime quickly.