Kara Eaker tests positive for COVID-19 in Japan

U.S. women’s gymnastics Olympic team alternate Kara Eaker tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, July 18, while at Olympic training camp in Japan.

The positive test comes after Eaker received a “false positive” earlier in the weekend. A subsequent test came back negative before multiple positive tests confirmed the case.

Following the 18-year-old’s positive test result, “The Olympic athletes moved to separate lodging accommodations and a separate training facility, as originally planned, and will continue the preparation for the Games,” USA Gymnastics said. “The entire delegation continues to be vigilant and will maintain strict protocols while they are in Tokyo.”

While Eaker’s positive test does not impact the main six-person delegation, it does mean fellow alternate, and Eaker’s GAGE teammate, Leanne Wong must isolate due to contact tracing.

At Olympic Trials in late June, Eaker told media that she has been vaccinated. Wong, however, stated that she has not been vaccinated and alluded to no future plans of doing so.

All six members of the main team are vaccinated, including Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Grace McCallum, MyKayla Skinner, and Jade Carey.

Eaker and Wong’s coach, Al Fong, initially broke the former’s identity to the public, and announced that her 8-14 day isolation began on Sunday. Eaker’s dad says that his daughter is doing fine and has no symptoms.

Eaker, Wong, and fellow alternatives Kayla DiCello and Emma Malabuyo are rooming and training together. While they did travel to Japan with the other gymnasts, they have been split into separate training groups since arriving in Japan.

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) said in a statement, “In alignment with local rules and protocols, the athlete has been transferred to a hotel to quarantine.”