After a positive coronavirus case involving US pole vault world champion Sam Kendricks, multiple members of Australia’s Olympic track and field squad were placed in isolation on Thursday, according to Athletics Australia.
“Members of Australia’s track and field team at the Tokyo Olympic Games are isolating in their rooms as a precautionary measure following news of a Covid-positive finding with a member of the US track and field team,” Athletics Australia said in a statement.
“Members of the Australian track and field team are now undergoing testing procedures in line with Australian Olympic team protocols.”
Kendricks was ruled out of the Olympics after testing positive for Covid-19, according to US Olympic officials.
The statement from Athletics Australia did not specify how many Australian athletes were isolating. The whole 63-strong Australian track and field squad had been advised to isolate, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Australian pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall was identified as a close acquaintance of Kendricks, according to the publication, and several other athletes may have interacted with him. The Covid-19 panic occurred just one day before the start of the Olympic track and field events.