Photo: Justin Casterline/Getty
A rising number of athletes from around the world are testing positive for COVID-19 at theTokyo Olympics, and Team USA’s volleyball team is the latest to be be affected.
“After taking every precaution, getting vaccinated & following protocols, I have tested positive for COVID-19. I’m symptom-free, thankfully, but deeply disappointed to not be able to join Jake on the sand and compete as a member of Team USA,” hewrotein a statement shared on social media. “I’ve faced adversity before, and I will face it again, but it doesn’t take the sting out of the situation.”
“Tri Bourne, an incredible athlete, person and close friend will be competing alongside Jake and filing my spot on Team USA. While there is no question that I’m devastated to not be competing, I’ve now taken on a new role - supporting my new team Rich, Jake and Tri,” he added. “I want to send positive vibes and negative test results to all athletes here in Tokyo.”
Alongside that statement, Crabb also thanked everyone who had reached out to him in support. “Thank you for all the kind and supportive messages. I appreciate every single one,” he captioned the post.
While USA Volleyball previously confirmed a player on the team tested positive for the respiratory disease, they did not name the player for privacy concerns.
“The health and safety of our athletes, coaches and staff is our top priority. We can confirm that a member of Team USA tested positive upon their arrival into Japan,” USA Volleyball said, according toCNN.
A Czech volleyball player also tested positive and will miss his first match, theRegistersaid. Crabb and his volleyball partner, Jake Gibb, were to face Italy on Sunday night.
On Tuesday, United States women’s gymnastics alternate Kara Eaker tested positive while in an Olympic training camp, according to theAssociated Press. Her personal coach, Al Fong, said Eaker received a vaccination two months ago.
RELATED VIDEO: Lindsey Vonn Explains How She Relates to Naomi Osaka’s Mental Health Struggles
The Olympics were due to take place in the summer of 2020 but were rescheduled due to the pandemic. Numerous safety protocols are now in place, including a ban on all spectators.
Japan recently declared astate of emergencyin Tokyo as COVID-19 cases surged in the host city.
To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visitTeamUSA.org. Watch the Tokyo Olympics beginning July 23 and the Tokyo Paralympics beginning Aug. 24 on NBC.
source: people.com
