Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Aug 1, 2024 3:07:22 GMT
German decathlete Eitel to miss Paris in latest Covid-19 case - Published July 30, 2024
German decathlete Manuel Eitel has withdrawn from the Olympic Games due to a coronavirus infection, the latest in a string of cases to affect the Paris Games.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics was delayed by a year until 2021 and held almost without fans because of the pandemic. Infection rates have plummeted since and there are no restrictions at the Paris Games, but there are signs of a resurgence in cases which could spook organizers.
British swimming silver medallist Adam Peaty has tested positive at the Games as well as Australians competing in the pool. Doctors fear cases are even more widespread, but say they are not severe.
"Today is and will be one of the worst days of my life," the 27-year-old Eitel wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.
"What I'm feeling right now is beyond any defeat I've ever experienced in sport. I'm absolutely stunned, devastated and no longer understand the world."
The German Athletics Association said Till Steinforth would take Eitel's place and compete in the decathlon with Leo Neugebauer - the world's best this year and former world champion Niklas Kaul.
"I don't know what to do next, my heart hurts and I can't think clearly yet," Eitel added. "I wish the German athletics team the maximum success and especially my decathlon boys. How I would have loved to fight this battle with you!"
The men's decathlon at the Paris Games starts on August 2.
German decathlete Manuel Eitel has withdrawn from the Olympic Games due to a coronavirus infection, the latest in a string of cases to affect the Paris Games.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics was delayed by a year until 2021 and held almost without fans because of the pandemic. Infection rates have plummeted since and there are no restrictions at the Paris Games, but there are signs of a resurgence in cases which could spook organizers.
British swimming silver medallist Adam Peaty has tested positive at the Games as well as Australians competing in the pool. Doctors fear cases are even more widespread, but say they are not severe.
"Today is and will be one of the worst days of my life," the 27-year-old Eitel wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.
"What I'm feeling right now is beyond any defeat I've ever experienced in sport. I'm absolutely stunned, devastated and no longer understand the world."
The German Athletics Association said Till Steinforth would take Eitel's place and compete in the decathlon with Leo Neugebauer - the world's best this year and former world champion Niklas Kaul.
"I don't know what to do next, my heart hurts and I can't think clearly yet," Eitel added. "I wish the German athletics team the maximum success and especially my decathlon boys. How I would have loved to fight this battle with you!"
The men's decathlon at the Paris Games starts on August 2.