Tokyo Olympics: Weeks after Australia’s Ashleigh Barty won her maiden Wimbledon trophy, she arrived in Japan for the Tokyo Games.
However, the day after her arrival in Tokyo, Australia’s Ian Chesterman confirmed that World No. 1 will not stay in the Olympic village during her stay in Tokyo.
The world No.1 is among Australia’s leading medal contenders in Tokyo – with Simona Halep, Serena Williams, Bianca Andreescu, Sofia Kenin, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, and Coco Gauff absent for a variety of causes.
“Ash is staying elsewhere,” Australia’s chef de mission Ian Chesterman told reporters. “We have a number of athletes staying outside the village. We allow that, it’s just what works best for them. Something I’ve always been very big on is driving performance takes a whole lot of flexible decisions, flexible options.”
According to health experts, the so-called bubble to control COVID-19 infections at the Olympic Athlete’s Village in Tokyo is already “broken” and poses a risk of spreading infections to the general populace.
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Czech Republic’s beach volleyball player Ondrej Perusic test COVID-19 positive;
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“In terms of her performance plan, it’s best served by her being able to control her environment and we respect that,” continued Chesterman. “She is staying in an Australian environment where she can still easily access the village.”
Tokyo Olympics – Alex De Minaur: World No. 17, Alex de Minaur has tested positive for Covid-19 a week before the Opening Ceremony. The news has been confirmed by the Vice President of the Australian Olympic Committee, Ian Chesterman.
“We have been advised that Alex de Minaur has had a positive test, at his mandatory 96-hour, and 72-hour pre-departure tests,” Chesterman said.
Alex De Minaur “ shattered” he left Wimbledon bubble on July 5 tested negative went onto Spain July 10 developed systems and then later tested positive had not been in contact with other Australian players @9NewsAUS @9NewsSyd
— Damian Ryan (@DamoNews) July 16, 2021
“As a consequence, sadly, Alex will be unable to join the Australian team here in Tokyo. We’re very disappointed for Alex, he’s said that he’s shattered (at) not being able to come. It’s been a dream since he was a child to represent Australia at the Olympic Games, but he has sent his very best wishes for the rest of the team,” he continued.