Three Belarusian skiers test positive for COVID-19

COVID-19 tests of Belarusian cross-country skiers Anastasia Kirillova and Anna Koroleva came back positive at Beijing 2022.

Irina Malevanaya, Director of the National Research Center of Sports, commented on the situation.

“Two athletes of the cross-country skiing team have tested positive for coronavirus during screening tests. In addition to that, the results of the blood tests suggested a viral infection and there were clinical symptoms of the catarrhal phase of an upper respiratory infection. The PCR results of the athletes were confirmed several times. The clinical symptoms have been gone by now and the results of the blood tests are fine. The skiers feel well. In order to take part in the Olympics, they should have several negative PCR tests in a row and fill in health declaration forms. When this is done, the organizing committee might request additional information (a blood test for antibodies, general clinical tests), after which the committee will decide whether on not Kirillova and Kovaleva will be able to get on the Olympic track.

The director of the National Research Center of Sports also spoke about the condition of another skier, Aliaksandr Voranau. “He got three positive COVID-19 tests in Beijing and moved to an isolation hotel. In line with the COVID-19 protocol of the Games, he will not be able to take part in the competitions for now.”

Four Belarusian skiers planned to compete at the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Yahor Shpuntau will be the only Belarusian skier to compete in the Men's Sprint Free on 8 Febru ary. All in all, 11 sets of medals are up for grabs in the cross-country skiing competition.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus

Photos by the NOC of Belarus