US Olympic team gymnast gets Covid as tennis star Coco Gauff is also struck down before Tokyo Games

A GYMNAST from the US Olympic team has tested positive for Covid a day after tennis star Coco Gauff said she had also been struck down with the virus.

The athlete has not been identified but they join a number of big-name sports stars already withdrawing from the Tokyo Games.

GettyThe women representing Team USA pictured last month. The gymnast who tested positive is understood to be a part of the alternate team[/caption]

EPACoco Gauff said she had also been struck down with the virus[/caption]

The gymnast is understood to be a part of the alternate team which includes Leanne Wong, Kara Eaker, Kayla DiCello, and Emma Malabuyo.

The gymnast affected is said to aged between 10 and 19.

City officials in Inzai, 35 miles north east of Tokyo, confirmed a teenager had been tested at the US training camp.

The USOPC said in a statement: “We can confirm that an alternate on the women’s artistic gymnastics team tested positive for COVID-19.

“In alignment with local rules and protocols, the athlete has been transferred to a hotel to quarantine.

“Out of respect for the individual’s privacy, we cannot provide more information at this time.”

COCO OUT

Fears had grown that Games poster girl Simone Biles might be forced into self-isolation after news of the positive test emerged.

But she was cleared to enter the Olympic Village over the weekend with the gymnastics programme due to begin on Sunday.

The 24-year-old has now posted pictures on her Instagram account of her at the gates of the Village, alongside several team-mates.

Tennis player Gauff, 17, is out of the event after testing positive for Covid before travelling to Japan.

She announced the news on social media on Sunday.

“I am so disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and won’t be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” Gauff wrote.

“It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future.”

She continued: “I want to wish TEAM USA best of luck and a safe games for every Olympian and the entire Olympic family.”

It’s currently unclear whether Gauff has been vaccinated.

COVID OUTBREAKS

And two South African footballers are among four people to contract the virus while being tested inside the Olympic village.

Other athletes, meanwhile, have chosen not to participate over fears of living in a Covid bubble – such as basketball star Elizabeth Cambage.

Team GB have also been hit by the pandemic, with ten members of the team self-isolating after being designated as ‘close contacts’ of a positive case.

And a Tokyo 2020 worker inside the Olympic village has tested positive for Covid less than a week before the Games begin on July 23.

Tokyo Games chief Seiko Hashimoto has admitted athletes are “probably very worried” about the Covid situation in the Olympic village.

He told the press on Saturday, July 15: “Athletes who are coming to Japan are probably very worried. I understand that. That is the reason why we need to make full disclosure.

“We are doing everything to prevent any Covid outbreaks.

“If we end up with an outbreak we will make sure we have a plan in place to respond.”

GettyJade Carey, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles, Mykayla Skinner and Grace McCallum, the women that will represent Team USA[/caption]