An alternate on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 in training ahead of the Summer Games in Tokyo, raising fresh concerns about transmission just days before the Olympics begin.
The positive test could have spillover effects on teammates, including world-class star Simone Biles, if they were in close contact and need to self-isolate. CNN reported the six regular members of the gymnastics team are still at the Olympic Village.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee haven’t released the name of the athlete, though the positive test is the first one in the American delegation.
So far, there have been more than 50 reported cases tied to the Games, which kick off Friday and last until Aug. 8.
Three members of the South African soccer team tested positive and members of the U.K. team had to self-isolate after they were potentially exposed on the flight to Japan.
Coco Gauff, the 17-year-old American tennis phenom, said Sunday she is pulling out the Olympics after testing positive.
Tokyo organizers say they expected cases to pop up, and they are prepared to make sure they don’t spawn clusters and super-spreader events, citing regular testing and social distancing at the Olympic Village.
Still, the rising tally casts another shadow over the Games — which were delayed a year, will not feature fans and are unpopular at home due to coronavirus fears.
