The Tokyo Olympics have finally begun. According to the statement by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s medical chief, over 16 percent of the American athletes have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine.
83% of American athletes vaccinated before Tokyo Olympics
As per the report by Jonathan Finnof, 567 out of 613 American Olympics athletes stated that they took the vaccination. “Eighty-three percent is actually a substantial number and we are quite happy with it,” said Finnof. Moreover, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) estimates that about 85 percent have taken the shot. This statistic is from the athletes residing in the city’s Olympic village who took the shot. However, this number is based on the reports submitted by each country’s Olympic committee and not the IOC.
However, the US Olympic and Paralympic committee’s figures are more solid. This is because it is based on the questionnaire answered by the athletes before they reached Japan. “The committee is not differentiating its treatment of athletes based on whether they’ve taken the vaccination. The best thing to do is to assume everyone is at risk. And, reduce risk by introducing COVID mitigation measures that we know work,” added Finnoff.
COVID-19 and Olympic athletes
As of now, two athletes from the US, Taylor Crabb, and Kara Eaker have tested positive for coronavirus. Additionally, the IOC has reported 13 covid-19 positive patients among the athletes in the Olympic Village. The new leadership that came with Sussane Lyons as the new chair of USOPC is tremendously great. Additionally, Sarah Hirishland and Rick Adams are the new CEO and Chief of sports performance respectively.
“Is the U.S. coming here hoping to win a lot of medals? You bet we are,” said Hirshland. Unfortunately, a covid-19 outbreak can tamper with the plans. “Athletes have adjusted to being comfortable being uncomfortable. They’ve been experiencing it. Over the next 17 days, the expectation is to set expectations around things that could change,” said Adams.
According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 56.3 percent of the American population took the shot. However, this includes the number of people who took at least a single dose of the covid-19 vaccine.
