After the recent completion of the Olympics and Paralympics, winter athletes are gearing up for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing early next year. However, a recent announcement from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee stated that only athletes who have received the COVID-19 vaccine will be considered for the US team.
A letter penned by USOPC CEO, Sarah Hirshland, revealed that all staff members and athletes using USOPC facilities must be fully vaccinated, a requirement that extends to all future Olympic and Paralympic teams.
The Winter Olympics are set to commence on 4 February, and aspiring US team members are required to show proof of vaccination by 1 December. The US, which sent over 600 athletes to Tokyo for the Summer Games, plans to send around 240 athletes to compete in Beijing. Approximately 83% of the summer athletes were vaccinated ahead of the Games, as reported by USOPC.
An upcoming “Playbook” outlining health recommendations and guidance for the Winter Olympics is anticipated to be released by the International Olympic Committee in October. While the IOC strongly advises athletes to get vaccinated against COVID-19, it has not yet mandated the vaccine for participation.
