TOKYO — One of the alternates on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team has tested positive for COVID-19, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Monday.
The USOPC did not identify the gymnast by name, citing privacy concerns.
“The health and safety of our athletes, coaches and staff is our top priority,” the USOPC said in a statement. “We can confirm that an alternate on the women’s artistic gymnastics team tested positive for COVID-19. 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.”
The USOPC’s statement came hours after the local government of a Japanese city announced in a news release that a teenage American gymnast had tested positive.
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The city, Inzai, is located in the prefecture where the U.S. women’s gymnastics team recently held its training camp prior to the Tokyo Olympics.
The four alternates for the U.S. gymnastics team are Kayla DiCello, Kara Eaker, Emma Malabuyo and Leanne Wong.
A USA Gymnastics spokesperson told USA TODAY Sports last week that the organization planned to separate the replacement athletes from the main six-member team. The replacement athletes were expected to train separately, travel in a separate bus and live in separate rooms.
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