USA Women’s Gymnast Tests Positive For COVID-19 Days Before Tokyo Olympics Start

A member of the United States women’s gymnastics team has tested positive for COVID-19 in Japan just a few days before the start of the Tokyo Olympics. The identity of the gymnast has not yet been revealed, although it’s been confirmed that the gymnast in question is an alternate.

Four-time gold medalist Simone Biles and the other top competitors on the team have not tested positive or been placed in contact tracing. Another alternate on the team is in isolation because she was a close contact of the athlete who contracted the coronavirus.

Kayla DiCello, Kara Eaker, Emma Malabuyo and Leanne Wong are the four alternates on the U.S. women’s team.

"After reviewing the implemented COVID protocols with members of the delegation, the local government determined that the affected replacement athlete and one other replacement athlete would be subject to additional quarantine restrictions," USA Gymnastics said in a statement.

"Accordingly, on Monday, the Olympic athletes moved to separate lodging accommodations and a separate training facility, as originally planned, and will continue their preparation for the Games. The entire delegation continues to be vigilant and will maintain strict protocols while they are in Tokyo."

Every member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team who is set to compete in the Summer Games has been vaccinated, including the athlete in question.

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Friday as the Tokyo Summer Games get under way amid a spike in the virus in Japan and without fans in the stands. The first event for the women’s gymnastics team is Saturday.

The U.S. alternate is one of several Olympic athletes who have tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before the Games are set to start. U.S. tennis player Coco Gauff pulled out of the Olympics on Sunday after testing positive.

Two members of the South African soccer team tested positive for COVID-19 inside the Olympic Village.