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Despite numerous corona cases, the Australian team showed outstanding performances at the Olympic Games and won numerous medals.
Paris – The Olympic Games in Paris were not only a sporting challenge for the Australian team, but also a health challenge.
As swimming head coach Rohan Taylor and team doctor Carolyn Broderick told the Australian agency AAP reported, more than 40 members of the team tested positive for corona or other respiratory diseases. Of a total of 84 PCR tests carried out, about half were positive, an alarming rate that posed major challenges for the team.
Despite numerous corona cases: infected athletes still competed at the Olympics
Among the infected athletes were high-profile athletes such as swimmer Zac Stubblety-Cook, who won the silver medal in the 200-meter breaststroke. Despite their illness, some athletes decided to take part in the competitions, while others decided not to start.
These decisions were made individually and in consultation with the medical teams in order not to further endanger the health of the athletes. But Corona was not the only threat to the health of the athletes at the Olympics.
Corona is also a big topic at the Olympic Games in Paris – especially among the Australian delegation. © IMAGO/Walter Arce
Corona at the Olympics in Paris: Australian team takes special measures
To minimize the risk of further spread of the virus, the Australian team took special measures. For example, it was decided that some of the athletes would eat their meals in a separate allotment garden rather than in the communal dining room of the Olympic Village. Eating in the village was a recurring topic during the games.
This approach helped the team to largely avoid further infections while remaining in the competition. Despite the difficult circumstances, the Australian team managed to win a total of 40 medals (as of August 7), including 17 gold medals alone.
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Global Corona situation remains serious
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to warn of the global spread of the coronavirus, especially in Europe. Recent data shows an increase in the number of cases. The organization stresses that despite the availability of vaccines and treatment options, the virus continues to pose a serious threat and calls on governments to closely monitor the situation. (where)
