Mikhail Kolyada Withdraws from Olympics due to COVID-19

[norwegianfairytale]

Good for them S/B, but now I worry about T/M. Just hope Team Eteri cares more about medals than Russian Fed and will be careful.

From what I can tell they seem more careful. Anna S have been double masking for a long time. I honestly hope they will stay away from the others and use mask in practice.

 

[Amei]

From what I can tell they seem more careful. Anna S have been double masking for a long time. I honestly hope they will stay away from the others and use mask in practice.

Shcherbakova has been careful, I wouldn't necessarily say Trusova or Valieva have been, Trusova was pictured picking up her Olympic gear at the mall maskless. And considering that they sent 2 coaches 2 junior Nationals who are now going to be with the senior skaters (and its rumored they are bringing Akatieva and Petrosyan to Krasnoyarsk as well).

 

[lariko]

Shcherbakova has been careful, I wouldn't necessarily say Trusova or Valieva have been, Trusova was pictured picking up her Olympic gear at the mall maskless. And considering that they sent 2 coaches 2 junior Nationals who are now going to be with the senior skaters (and its rumored they are bringing Akatieva and Petrosyan to Krasnoyarsk as well).

The part about Petrosyan and Akat'ieva still boggles my mind. The more people, the higher the risk. Nobody who shouldn't be there, should be there.

 

[moonvine]

I don't think a country's Olympic committee can just show up in Beijing with more athletes than expected. The extras would not be accredited for the Olympics or accommodated in the Athlete's Village. They could, of course, try to make private arrangements for the extra athletes, but that could be very difficult and expensive.

Some countries in the past have made arrangements for the Olympic athletes to train before or between events in a location near the games, but that could be extremely problematical these days. Imagine trying to get training facilities/accomodation/entry visas for North American athletes to train in, say, Japan. It might happen in an "ordinary" Olympic year, but is extremely unlikely under COVID.

The US sent all their gymnastics alternates to Tokyo. I don’t know if that was the case with all countries/sports. Perhaps just the ones the US considers the most important.

Some athletes typically don’t stay in the village. I’m not sure if that is required by the USOC or on their own.

 

[Amei]

The part about Petrosyan and Akat'ieva still boggles my mind. The more people, the higher the risk. Nobody who shouldn't be there, should be there.

Yeah, the post i saw said it was because they would be without 1 of their main coaches while they prepare for Jr Worlds. << if that was a problem either Daniil or Sergei needed to hang back and not go to the Olympics, but they probably don't want to do that because they are poised to sweep the podium and they all want to be there. I hope that doesn't cost 1 of their senior girls her Olympic spot due to a positive test.

 

[lariko]

Yeah, the post i saw said it was because they would be without 1 of their main coaches while they prepare for Jr Worlds. << if that was a problem either Daniil or Sergei needed to hang back and not go to the Olympics, but they probably don't want to do that because they are poised to sweep the podium and they all want to be there. I hope that doesn't cost 1 of their senior girls her Olympic spot due to a positive test.

Yeah. This is just ridiculous, risking the Olympic team because of Jr.Worlds where Akatieva doesn't have equals anyway.

 

[norwegianfairytale]

Yeah, the post i saw said it was because they would be without 1 of their main coaches while they prepare for Jr Worlds. << if that was a problem either Daniil or Sergei needed to hang back and not go to the Olympics, but they probably don't want to do that because they are poised to sweep the podium and they all want to be there. I hope that doesn't cost 1 of their senior girls her Olympic spot due to a positive test.

Seriously they are going to go with them to Beijing?! I didn´t even think that was possible, how can they get a VISA when they are not athletes? I mean wouldn´t they rather fly their alternates to Beijing and not someone who is not able to compete there?

 

[Amei]

Seriously they are going to go with them to Beijing?! I didn´t even think that was possible, how can they get a VISA when they are not athletes? I mean wouldn´t they rather fly their alternates to Beijing and not someone who is not able to compete there?

The post I saw was saying that Akatieva and Petrosyan were going to Krasnoyarsk, didn't see anything regarding Beijing.

 

[norwegianfairytale]

The post I saw was saying that Akatieva and Petrosyan were going to Krasnoyarsk, didn't see anything regarding Beijing.

Ok. That sounds more right. I agree they should have left one of the coaches in Moscow and not risking bringing them into the camp, or just simply accept they would be without the coaches for a while. Come on, they can still do coaching on Facetime or something.

 

[Amei]

Ok. That sounds more right. I agree they should have left one of the coaches in Moscow and not risking bringing them into the camp, or just simply accept they would be without the coaches for a while. Come on, they can still do coaching on Facetime or something.

Yeah I mean let's be clear Jr worlds starts March 7th. The last relevant event is Feb 17th at the Olympics, I'm sure there was a competent coach capable of running a training regiment for 3 weeks, then the skaters have 2 weeks back with the main coach.

 

[solani]

I'm not sure what to think about that. A positive test for covid should not be such a big deal at this point in time. Austrian skiers test positive on a weekly basis and win races after a short quarantine and a negative test only a week later.
I even thought a positive test now is not bad in itself, because there's still time and you don't want to catch Covid while you're in Beijing.
If he's really that ill, then I'm gutted ...
I had Omicron last week. I'm double vaxxed and boosted. It was nothing, really. Negative again within five days. Maybe a little tired, but I did just fine on my weekly run today. And I'm already over 40.
Maybe we'll see him at the Olympics. I don't give up my expectations!

 

[norwegianfairytale]

I'm not sure what to think about that. A positive test for covid should not be such a big deal at this point in time. Austrian skiers test positive on a weekly basis and win races after a short quarantine and a negative test only a week later.
I even thought a positive test now is not bad in itself, because there's still time and you don't want to catch Covid while you're in Beijing.
If he's really that ill, then I'm gutted ...
I had Omicron last week. I'm double vaxxed and boosted. It was nothing, really. Negative again within five days. Maybe a little tired, but I did just fine on my weekly run today. And I'm already over 40.
Maybe we'll see him at the Olympics. I don't give up my expectations!

No, Semenenko is already replacing him so that is not possible. I see your point of view but it doesn´t really help because of Chinas strict requirements. It´s not like you will do your quarantine and after 5 days you are done and they will let you in, they will require a negative PCR-test and so close to the olympics you have no guarantee that the test will be negative because some test positive a while after. RusFed can´t possible risk that he perhaps will be let in time when they have alternates. Either way he has symptoms and he also can´t train for days which also is crucial for a figure kater so close up to a competition. Even if he isn´t affected by covid he will be affected off staying off ice for days.

The Team Event will start in 9 days from today and he would need to be cleared and in Beijing before that. The time line is simply too short.

There are two athletes in the Norwegian ski team who tested positive today. They fed still thinks they can make the last part of the Olympic, but I doubt that it will be possible so close to the games given Chinas requirements. The only thing they know for sure is that won´t departure as planned now. They have alternates so I honestly think they are being stupid if they seriously think the affected athletes will still be able to go to the Olympics.

 

[TontoK]

There are two athletes in the Norwegian ski team who tested positive today. They fed still thinks they can make the last part of the Olympic, but I doubt that it will be possible so close to the games given Chinas requirements. The only thing they know for sure is that won´t departure as planned now. They have alternates so I honestly think they are being stupid if they seriously think the affected athletes will still be able to go to the Olympics.

I just read about that. I don't follow cross country that closely, but one of the women is a 5 time WC. The article also said that a men's coach had tested positive, and he has been in close contact with the entire men's team. I'm sure they're all holding their breath.

Sadly, I expect we'll have other withdrawals and close calls before the Games are over. I'm afraid it may be a case of "Last Man Standing."

 

[Amei]

I'm not sure what to think about that. A positive test for covid should not be such a big deal at this point in time. Austrian skiers test positive on a weekly basis and win races after a short quarantine and a negative test only a week later.
I even thought a positive test now is not bad in itself, because there's still time and you don't want to catch Covid while you're in Beijing.
If he's really that ill, then I'm gutted ...
I had Omicron last week. I'm double vaxxed and boosted. It was nothing, really. Negative again within five days. Maybe a little tired, but I did just fine on my weekly run today. And I'm already over 40.
Maybe we'll see him at the Olympics. I don't give up my expectations!

Well I believe they have already officially replaced Kolyada so I don't know if they can go back if he is quickly over it and take it away from Semenenko (his replacement). Regarding having covid out respect for the mods who don't want to police the discussions (understandably) at this point the host country has a requirement of a negative test before entering their country and thus participating the athletes don't have the choice right now of saying I feel fine and have worked too hard to not give it a try at competing. If I were sending athletes at this point i would have them test before departure if they are asymptomatic and positive today that doesn't mean next week they will still be positive. My understanding is that if they test negative they would be allowed in, I don't think there was something about if they test positive within x number of days of entering that they were barred from the Games.

Does anyone know what the testing situation is once the Games start like daily, weekly, etc?

 

[TontoK]

Another question I have... don't the National Olympic Committees have to finalize a roster before the Games begin?

I don't recall exact rules, but I don't think, even if logistics allowed, they could sub out a competitor for someone not on the roster on a moment's notice.

As in, I don't think they can say, "Well, Joe tested positive today, we're going to fly in Bob to take his place for th race that takes place day after tomorrow."

 

[norwegianfairytale]

I just read about that. I don't follow cross country that closely, but one of the women is a 5 time WC. The article also said that a men's coach had tested positive, and he has been in close contact with the entire men's team. I'm sure they're all holding their breath.

Sadly, I expect we'll have other withdrawals and close calls before the Games are over. I'm afraid it may be a case of "Last Man Standing."

Yes, sadly Heidi Weng is one of the athletes who tested positive, and she was a favorite to medal. As far as I understand the whole team are quarantined in Italy now because they are close contacts to the coaching team, so there is a big risk of more cases and the athletes are holdning their breath yes...

Sadly I´m not surprised when you know how easily Omicron spread. They have been very careful, but once it get´s inside a group it´s difficult not to be exposed.

 

[HeadBanger]

I don't think a country's Olympic committee can just show up in Beijing with more athletes than expected. The extras would not be accredited for the Olympics or accommodated in the Athlete's Village. They could, of course, try to make private arrangements for the extra athletes, but that could be very difficult and expensive.

Some countries in the past have made arrangements for the Olympic athletes to train before or between events in a location near the games, but that could be extremely problematical these days. Imagine trying to get training facilities/accomodation/entry visas for North American athletes to train in, say, Japan. It might happen in an "ordinary" Olympic year, but is extremely unlikely under COVID.

Depends on the sport. I know Canada is sending their alternates for the mens/womens curling early so just in case a mixed-doubles competitor tests positive, they can be entered in their place and still field a team... and then after the mixed doubles are over, those one can be used similarly if there is an outbreak on their mens/womens teams.

I imagine the decision is up to some combination of the IOC, Beijing organizers and the sports federations... so in conclusion, who the hell knows?!

 

[lariko]

Another question I have... don't the National Olympic Committees have to finalize a roster before the Games begin?

I don't recall exact rules, but I don't think, even if logistics allowed, they could sub out a competitor for someone not on the roster on a moment's notice.

As in, I don't think they can say, "Well, Joe tested positive today, we're going to fly in Bob to take his place for th race that takes place day after tomorrow."

My understandIng is that it had already happened, so if one of Kondratyuk, Mozalev, Semenenko falls ill, then Russia has one more possible substitute in Gumennik, and that’s it, because unlike the Euro team, Samarin was not named as 3rd alt. But I am not sure what happens if Kolyada tests negative prior to individual event and one of the other men tests positive, if he would be allowed to sub as originally named on the team...

 

[solani]

No, Semenenko is already replacing him so that is not possible. I see your point of view but it doesn´t really help because of Chinas strict requirements. It´s not like you will do your quarantine and after 5 days you are done and they will let you in, they will require a negative PCR-test and so close to the olympics you have no guarantee that the test will be negative because some test positive a while after. RusFed can´t possible risk that he perhaps will be let in time when they have alternates. Either way he has symptoms and he also can´t train for days which also is crucial for a figure kater so close up to a competition. Even if he isn´t affected by covid he will be affected off staying off ice for days.

The Team Event will start in 9 days from today and he would need to be cleared and in Beijing before that. The time line is simply too short.

There are two athletes in the Norwegian ski team who tested positive today. They fed still thinks they can make the last part of the Olympic, but I doubt that it will be possible so close to the games given Chinas requirements. The only thing they know for sure is that won´t departure as planned now. They have alternates so I honestly think they are being stupid if they seriously think the affected athletes will still be able to go to the Olympics.

Some individuals bodys clear the virus within a few days. So I certainly would send some athletes who had it. What if it spreads in Beijing? Then immunity would win medals.

Well I believe they have already officially replaced Kolyada so I don't know if they can go back if he is quickly over it and take it away from Semenenko (his replacement). Regarding having covid out respect for the mods who don't want to police the discussions (understandably) at this point the host country has a requirement of a negative test before entering their country and thus participating the athletes don't have the choice right now of saying I feel fine and have worked too hard to not give it a try at competing. If I were sending athletes at this point i would have them test before departure if they are asymptomatic and positive today that doesn't mean next week they will still be positive. My understanding is that if they test negative they would be allowed in, I don't think there was something about if they test positive within x number of days of entering that they were barred from the Games.

Does anyone know what the testing situation is once the Games start like daily, weekly, etc?

OK, If they have already replaced him, we are out of luck. Nothing against Semenenko by the way, I rather like his skating. But I'm sure he'll be even better in four years.
I'm very sure that a Corona positive athlete will not be allowed to compete. I bet they'll test them all once they enter the country and 24 hours before each competition. So If an athlete enters the country and tests positive immediatly - quarantine, no chance to train ... until the test is negative and I read that the negative threshold is higher in China than it is f.e. in Europe.

 

[TontoK]

If I'm understanding you correctly, @lariko, the substitutes are listed on the Olympic roster... which I didn't know.

If makes sense to me that a substitute would be allowed if the person was already at the Games. "Susan can't skate the 500 in the speed skating, but we're subbing in Mary who is our 1000 skater, but also has the 500 qualifying standard." That seems fairly straightforward. But what if the sub isn't already there?

Some wild scenarios have been flowing through my mind. Like what if a men skater is not able to skate the Team Event, could the fed put in a pairs guy to skate a singles routine? Or would the team have to swallow a zero score? All this is unlikely, of course, but puzzling for someone like me who doesn't exactly understand the timeline and logisitics for substitutes.