The National Stadium, the main stadium of Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, is seen from observation deck in Tokyo
The National Stadium, the main stadium of Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, is seen from observation deck in Tokyo. Members of the Australian track and field team are isolating after being in contact with American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks who tested positive for COVID-19. Image Credit: Reuters

Tokyo: Members of the Australian track and field team at the Tokyo Olympics are isolating in their rooms after being in close contact with American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks who tested positive for COVID-19, the Australian Olympic Committee said today.

“Members of the Australian track and field team are now undergoing testing procedures in line with Australian Olympic team protocols,” the AOC said in a statement.

Kendricks, the reigning world champion, has been ruled out of the Games.

Bad timing

The athletics starts tomorrow and so the timing of this for the Australians could not be worse.

Meanwhile, Argentine pole vaulter German Chiaraviglio has also tested positive for COVID-19 and been ruled out of the Olympics.

There have now been 193 cases among Olympic personnel, including 20 athletes.