COVID-19 Reemerges at Paris Olympic Games: Athletes Affected

Three years after the Tokyo Olympics amidst strict COVID-19 precautions, the virus resurfaces at the Paris Games, causing athletes like Australian swimmer Lani Pallister and British swimmer Adam Peaty to withdraw or isolate. While no strict protocols exist in Paris, teams remain vigilant with masks and sanitizers.

In a worrying turn of events at the Paris Olympic Games, COVID-19 has once again impacted athletes, forcing some to withdraw. Australian swimmer Lani Pallister, a strong contender in the women's 1,500 metres freestyle, tested positive and has been isolated. British swimmer Adam Peaty also tested positive after narrowly missing out on gold in the 100 metres breaststroke.

Despite the virus's resurgence, the team spirit remains high. Matt Richards, Peaty's teammate, expressed confidence in their safety measures. 'Adam's alright, just a bit of a cold. We're here to race. If we get a little bit ill whilst we're racing we'll keep racing. It's how we do it,' he said.

The Paris Games have no strict COVID-19 protocols, a significant change from the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics. However, Anne Descamps, Paris 2024 chief communications director, emphasized that any athlete testing positive must wear a mask. British swimmer Jacob Whittle revealed that his team has become more stringent with precautions, including hand sanitizing and mask-wearing in communal spaces.

(With inputs from agencies.)