'This is a dark day': Tokyo Olympics rocked by Covid chaos
The Tokyo Olympic Games continues to be rocked with virus-related controversy after a host of athletes were ruled out ahead of their events.
A German cyclist, a Dutch rower and a Portuguese surfer were the latest Olympic athletes to share how devastated they were to be forced to miss competition after testing positive for Covid-19, as officials try to combat the threat of the virus.
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Tour de France rider Simon Geschke announced on Saturday he would not compete at the Games only hours before his race.
"That is really bitter, to be taken out of the competition shortly before the race," the 35-year-old said.
"I followed all the health rules as best as I could. Physically, I feel good but emotionally this is a dark day for me."
Dutch rower Finn Florijn made his debut at teh Games after competing in the men's single sculls on Friday.
The 21-year-old had finished in fourth in his heat and was to have contested a repechage race on Saturday, before his Covid-19 case left him shattered.
His case comes after a staff member of the Dutch rowing team, as well as two other Dutch athletes - taekwondo competitor Reshmie Oogink and skateboarder Candy Jacobs - also tested positive for Covid-19 earlier in the week.
Swimming great Pieter van den Hoogenband, chef de mission of the Dutch Olympic delegation, said they were doing everything to avoid positive Covid-19 tests.
"Unfortunately, a new infection. It's obvious that we don't have any words for this," Van den Hoogenband said .
"A young athlete who was making his Olympic debut here and has to put an end to it immediately."
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Swimming great Pieter van den Hoogenband, chef de mission of the Dutch Olympic delegation, said they were doing everything to avoid positive Covid-19 tests.
"Unfortunately, a new infection. It's obvious that we don't have any words for this," Van den Hoogenband said .
"A young athlete who was making his Olympic debut here and has to put an end to it immediately."
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Portuguese surfer Frederico Morais detailed the pain he faced after waiting years to represent his country in surfing, only to be rule doubt before the competition.
"This is likely the saddest video I've ever had to post," Morais said on social media.
"In 2019 I qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that were postponed because of Covid-19. And now, because of the virus I won't be able to compete nor represent my country."
Morais was expected to travel to Tokyo, but will be forced to isolate.
"I was very careful. I have been fully vaccinated for over a month, but ended up contracting the virus," Morais said in a statement issued through Portugal's Olympic team.
"I feel fine and I will carry out my isolation. I will be following every second of our team."
with AAP
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