Tokyo Olympics in jeopardy after two more athletes test positive for COVID-19

Czech beach volleyball player Marketa Nausch and Dutch taekwondo star Reshmie Oogink were ruled out of Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19. This was the 10th reported case of COVID-19 among athletes in the Tokyo Olympics. "Marketa Nausch has passed several tests, but after an unclear result, the last PCR test from this morning was positive," the Czech National Olympic Committee stated. They have also initiated a probe to investigate regular COVID-19 cases in Czech’s Olympic contingent.

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As many as three athletes and a coach has returned positive results from Czech Republic’s squad while Reshmie Oogink was the second Dutch athlete to test positive after skateboarder Candy Jacobs. Netherland’s Olympic committee announced the unfortunate news of Reshmie Oogink testing positive for COVID-19.

"Sad news for Reshmie Oogink. Due to a positive test, she, unfortunately, cannot participate in the Games," the NOC tweeted.

"The situation is serious, but we have done our utmost since the beginning of this problem to stop the spread. Unfortunately, we did not avoid sports tragedies, I am extremely sorry," said Martin Doktor, sports director of the Czech team.

Meanwhile, the Czech Olympic committee is investigating the source of the infection. They believe the players might have contracted the virus on the charter flight to Tokyo. The investigation will probe a possible breach of COVID-19 protocols by the members during their journey to Tokyo.

On Wednesday, Chilean Taekwondo player Fernanda Aguirre, Dutch skateboarder Candy Jacobs and Czech TT player Pavel Sirucek were forced to withdraw from their respective events and placed in quarantine after testing positive. Earlier, American beach volleyball player Taylor Crabb also tested positive for COVID-19.