Sports

US Olympic gymnast Kara Eaker tests positive for COVID days before Tokyo games start

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Published July 19, 2021
Updated July 19, 2021, 3:27 p.m. ET

Things are starting to get messy for the US gymnastics team ahead of their quest for Olympic gold.

On Monday, Kara Eaker, an alternate for the team tested positive for COVID-19, according to American Olympic officials.

“The health and safety of our athletes, coaches and staff is our top priority. We can confirm that an alternate on the women’s artistic gymnastics team tested positive for COVID-19,” the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee said in a statement. “In alignment with local rules and protocols, the athlete has been transferred to a hotel to quarantine. Out of respect for the individual’s privacy, we cannot provide more information at this time.”

Eaker tested positive while training in Narita, 35 miles from Tokyo. She stayed in their travel accommodations and practiced in venues, but did not spend time in the city. However, she still contracted the virus.

Members and alternates of the U.S. womens Olympic team pose following the 2021 U.S. Women's Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials.
Members and alternates of the US women’s Olympic team pose following the 2021 US Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials. Kyle Okita/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA

The gymnast is the first known COVID-19 case among Olympians from the United States. Now she will quarantine in her hotel room along with one teammate, who was deemed a “close contact.” Kayla DiCello, Kara Eaker, Emma Malabuyo and Leanne Wong are the four alternates for the team.

The US has had quite a few Olympians withdraw from the event due to COVID already. Coco Gauff, the No. 25 women’s tennis player in the world, and basketball star Bradley Beal have been sent home already due to positive tests. Currently, there have been 58 COVID-19 cases linked to the Olympic Games.