via Reuters
The Olympic Rings monument is seen outside the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) headquarters near the National Stadium, the main stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games that have been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Tokyo, Japan June 23, 2021 on the day to mark one month until the opening of the Olympic Games. REUTERS/Issei Kato
via Reuters
The Olympic Rings monument is seen outside the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) headquarters near the National Stadium, the main stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games that have been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Tokyo, Japan June 23, 2021 on the day to mark one month until the opening of the Olympic Games. REUTERS/Issei Kato
Despite the ongoing COVID pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics 2021 will kick-start on July 24th. The athletes need to follow certain protocols and it is notable that the Japanese Government is pretty strict with the rules and regulations.
However, the Australian swimming team members have been involved in a COVID scare in Queensland. Kyle Chalmers and Mack Horton are few swimmers who have come in contact with a patient who tested positive.
The duo, along with three other swimmers, traveled to the Magnetic Island from Townsville. The reports state that the patient had the Delta variant of Covid-19.
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Australian swimmers’ problems ahead of Tokyo Olympics 2021
The swimmers were attending a camp in Cairns from Townsville and reports emerge that no high-risk contacts have been made. Swimming Australian spokesperson commented on the issue to provide details into the matter.
“Members of the Townsville group attended Magnetic Island… but are considered low-risk contacts and did not attend any high-risk locations during their visit.
“We will follow government health advice and be tested immediately as per the advice for low-risk contacts,” said the spokesperson.
Despite the government ramping up efforts to distribute the vaccine, it is still unclear whether these swimmers have had their shots.
Some swimmers who visited the island were Chalmers, Horton, Madi Wilson, and Tamsin Cook. The swimmers posted their photos on Instagram on the island.
READ MORE- VIDEO: Usain Bolt Releases Amazing New Video to Promote Tokyo Olympics 2021
Kyle Chalmers vs Caeleb Dressel
Despite the Covid scare, the two swimmers who are favorites to win the 100-meter freestyle event are Caeleb Dressel and Kyle Chalmers.
Chalmers won the 100-meter freestyle event in Rio 2016, but Dressel has proved incredible in recent years. Notably, Dressel is the favorite to win the 100-meter freestyle but Chalmers is more than capable of providing good competition.
via Getty
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 09: Caeleb Dressel of the United States looks on in the first Semifinal of the Men’s 100m Freestyle on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on August 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
While competing in seven events in Tokyo, Dressel looks to equal Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals. It would be a testament to his determination and hard work for his favorite sport.
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While the Australian swimming team will provide competition to the USA, the favorites to win the swimming events will be Caeleb Dressel.
Ariarne Titmus’ outstanding victory against Katie Ledecky also proves why she is a major contender for this year’s games. But, how many medals do you think team Australia will win in swimming?
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