SINGAPORE – Singapore won’t compete at the Fina World Swimming Championships (25m) in Abu Dhabi after 4 of the Republic’s 14 swimmers examined optimistic for the coronavirus.
The 4 swimmers, who’re isolating in a unique lodge from the others, are awaiting the outcomes of a second polymerase chain response (PCR) take a look at.
The Straits Instances understands that three of the swimmers are asymptomatic, whereas one has a cough, fever and lack of scent and style however doesn’t require medical consideration.
The Singapore contingent travelled to Dubai on Sunday (Dec 12) and cleared the pre-departure take a look at then, earlier than arriving in Abu Dhabi the subsequent day for the Dec 16-21 quick course world championships.
The squad contains SEA Video games medallists Teong Tzen Wei, Pang Sheng Jun, Darren Chua, Maximillian Ang, Nur Marina Chan, Amanda Lim and Quah Jing Wen.
Accompanying the crew on the world championships are SSA technical director Sonya Porter, coaches Gustavo Schirru, Douglas Djang and Zhang Jian Lan, physiotherapist Ivy Yeung, power and conditioning coach Thng Shiqi and excessive efficiency supervisor Tracie Tan.
The Singapore Swimming Affiliation (SSA) stated in an announcement: “SSA is maintaining in shut contact with the swimmers, their households and the authorities, offering all the required assist to make sure that the well being and security of our swimmers are taken care of.
“SSA is at the moment in search of approval and making preparations to journey for members of the contingent who haven’t examined optimistic to fly again to Singapore. Sonya Porter will stay in Abu Dhabi to take care of the affected swimmers and can fly again to Singapore with them after they’re allowed to journey.”
The world championships have been hit by a number of Covid-related problems.
At a press convention on Wednesday, Fina president Husain Al-Musallam stated that seven nations had withdrawn from the meet attributable to points associated to the Omicron variant.
A journey ban on South Africa over the brand new Covid-19 variant has seen the nation’s authentic crew of 21 swimmers minimize to only 4, which incorporates 10-time quick course world champion Chad Le Clos and Australia-based Michaela Pulford.
Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker and 2021 Fina Swimming World Cup winner Matt Sates are among the many South African swimmers who will miss the meet.
Italian breaststroker Fabio Scozzoli, who was the 2012 world quick course champion within the 100m breaststroke occasion, additionally withdrew from the competitors and is in quarantine in Italy after testing optimistic for Covid-19.
The swimmers will not be the one nationwide athletes who’ve been hit by the virus. Final month, Lions captain Hariss Harun and teammate Hafiz Nor examined optimistic for Covid-19, however each have since recovered and are with the nationwide crew for the continuing AFF Suzuki Cup in Singapore.
