Team GB Olympic Athletes ‘don’t want’ Covid Vaccine

The head of the British Olympic Association (BOA) says they are still “trying to convince” some members of Team GB to have their Covid vaccine before the start of Tokyo 2020 next month.

While “well over 90%” of British athletes will have two doses by then, chief executive Andy Anson says there are individuals who do not want vaccinations. The organisation has to respect people’s right to choose, but having the jab is “the right thing to do”.

Anson says the BOA are running a “mammoth programme of vaccination of the whole entourage, well over 1,000 people… because that will lessen the risk”. But they are facing challenges, and having difficulties with some of the athletes. They will keep trying right up to the last minute, and are confident everyone will have at least one dose.

The Olympics, postponed from last year because of the pandemic, will go ahead on 23 July, despite opposition from people in Japan. Athletes from around the world will travel across continents to compete.

Organisers insist on a safe and secure event, but so far, vaccination roll-out is slow.

Although cases of coronavirus are falling since May, and emergency status is lifted, there is still an average of 423 new infections a day. Experts call for a daily infection rate below 100 in the city in order to hold the Games safely.

A tough challenge

Measures to mitigate the risk of Covid in the athletes’ village is a tough challenge that requires careful planning. There are 18,000 beds, and athletes all share one dining hall.

This year, people in the village are not allowed to mix with each other like they usually would. Strict protocols are in place to ensure everyone follows the rules on isolation, social distancing, and staying within their own bubbles.

However, organisers are confident there are enough medical people around to ensure the environment is as safe as possible.

The pandemic is hard to control, and there is always a risk of people testing positive for Covid. Already this week, two Ugandan athletes did just that after arriving in Japan, despite having full vaccinations. It is naive to think it will not happen again as the tournament progresses. But there are plans for how to manage cases properly.

Athletes suspected of having Covid will go to the village’s ‘fever clinic’. If they are confirmed as positive, they could move to an ‘isolation hotel’, ruling them out of competing in events.

The athletes are all aware of the risks, with some already having experiences of them or colleagues missing competitions. It is not an easy situation to be in. But they are professionals who are focused on both their physical and mental wellbeing.

Despite the UK featuring on Japan’s travel ‘red list’, Team GB athletes are exempt from a six day quarantine on arrival in the country. Instead they are not allowed to train or mix with any other nations for three days after arriving.

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