US Olympic volleyball player tests positive for COVID-19 just days before Tokyo Olympics

The player's name has not yet been officially released.

July 21, 2021, 6:33 PM

An American volleyball player tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival to Japan and is reportedly no longer participating in the Tokyo Olympics.

“In alignment with local rules and protocols, the athlete has been transferred to a hotel,” USA Volleyball said in a statement on Wednesday.

PHOTO: Olympic branding is displayed on Tokyo Olympic stadium on July 21, 2021, in Tokyo.
Olympic branding is displayed on Tokyo Olympic stadium on July 21, 2021, in Tokyo.
Carl Court/Getty Images

The player's name has not yet been officially released.

The athlete is the second member of Team USA to test positive for the virus just two days ahead of the opening ceremonies.

Earlier in the week, the coach of U.S. gymnast Kara Eaker told the Associated Press that the 18-year-old alternate had tested positive for the virus on Monday and will remain in quarantine.

PHOTO: A worker sanitizes beach volleyballs during training at Shiokaze Park ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 20, 2021, in Tokyo.
A worker sanitizes beach volleyballs during training at Shiokaze Park ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 20, 2021, in Tokyo.
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

The International Olympic Committee reported 71 people accredited to the games have tested positive for COVID-19, including a growing number of international athletes within the Olympic Village in Tokyo.

As of Wednesday, Japan reported 3,600 new cases of COVID-19 and the country remains in a state of emergency due to large outbreaks in the greater Tokyo area.

Related Topics