THE AGONY ... AND THE ECSTASY!
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AMBER HILL, the world No1 and a strong gold-medal hope in the shooting, is out of the Olympics after testing positive for Covid-19.
The ‘devastated’ skeet specialist, 23, was found to be infected before she departed for Japan.
‘There are no words to describe how I’m feeling right now,’ said Windsor-born Hill, who was a finalist at Rio 2016.
‘After five years of training and preparation, I’m absolutely devastated to say that I have received a positive Covid test, meaning I’ve had to withdraw from Team GB’s shooting team.
‘I would like to wish the best of luck to all of Team GB who are out in Tokyo, especially the shooting team who have supported me massively throughout my career. I will be back from this, but right now I need some time to reflect and take in what has happened.’
Team GB chef de mission Mark England added: ‘We’re just sad for her that she is unable to join us in Tokyo. She is an incredibly gifted athlete and we dearly hope to see her again at a future Olympics.’
British Shooting team leader Steven Seligmann said support would be provided.
‘This is an incredibly sad situation for Amber after she’s worked so hard to earn her Olympic place,’ he said.
‘Our focus now is to make sure Amber is kept safe and well, both physically and mentally.’
In March, Hill won gold at the International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup in New Delhi.
After collecting bronze at the European Shooting Championships in May, she spoke of how ‘everything is coming together’, adding: ‘This year is a time for change and things are on the rise.’
On Tuesday, Hill posted a picture on social media which showed a house decked out in St George crosses and a giant banner which read: ‘Good luck Amber, it’s coming home’.
She captioned the shot: ‘The best send off’.
No Team GB athletes in Japan have tested positive so far.
The opening ceremony is tomorrow. Hill was due to be in competition on Monday.