American tennis player Coco Goff announced on Sunday that she will withdraw from Tokyo Olympic Games After testing positive for COVID-19. This is five days before the opening ceremony on Friday.
At only 17 years old, Gough is by far the most high-profile American athlete to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics.
She posted her message on Twitter on Sunday.
Goff wrote: “I am very disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for the new crown virus and will not be able to participate in the Tokyo Olympics.” “It has always been my dream to represent the United States in the Olympics, and I hope I will have more opportunities to achieve this goal in the future. .”
Gough, ranked 25th in the world by the World Tennis Association, recently lost to Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-4 on Centre Court in the fourth round of Wimbledon. In 2019, the 15-year-old Gove defeated her idol Venus Williams at Wimbledon and entered the fourth round that year.
Photograph by AELTC/Simon Bruty-Pool/Getty Images
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) issued a statement on Sunday saying it was “sad” about Goff’s infection and eventual withdrawal.
“We are sad to learn that Coco Gauff has tested positive for COVID-19 and will therefore not be able to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” USTA wrote. “We hope that everything goes well for her in dealing with this unfortunate situation, and hope to see her back on the court soon. We know that Coco will work with all of us to support other members of the American team who will go to Japan for the game. day.”
The 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics were postponed by one year due to the global epidemic that started at the end of 2019 and intensified in the spring of 2020. It has been uncertain for a long time whether the Olympic Games will be held in 2021 or cancelled completely, which will cause a major financial blow to the International Olympic Committee.
Japan announced earlier this year that it would not allow foreign tourists to watch the Olympics. Last month, Japan declared a state of emergency, and a new virus broke out, mainly in Tokyo. This means that foreign or domestic audiences are not allowed to enter the Olympics.
All athletes are encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing during their stay in Japan. Athletes from most countries have arrived in Tokyo, including the Olympic Village.
Two South African football players have tested positive for COVID and six British players are in isolation after being in close contact with a person who tested positive.
