Jones so fearful of Covid KO
JADE JONES admits to being “petrified” that her Olympic dream could be snatched away by coronavirus.
The taekwondo champion of London and Rio is bidding to become the first British female Olympian to strike gold at three consecutive Games.
Cyclist Laura Kenny, rower Helen Glover and equestrian star Charlotte Dujardin are also vying for the historic landmark.
But with Jones’ event moved from the back of the schedule in Rio five years ago to the front here in Tokyo, she has first shot at it – as long as she can stay healthy.
“I know I can win, I’ve definitely got the talent and everything I need to get that gold,” the Welsh star said yesterday.
“The hardest bit is being petrified you’re going to test positive. I’ve had the vaccines, I had Covid in January, so it’s highly unlikely.
“But a positive test would mean you’re out, game over. To have your Olympic dream depend on that is scary.”
A week out from the opening ceremony Tokyo reported 1,308 new cases, its highest daily total since late January.
IOC president Thomas Bach claims risks both for athletes and the Japanese people is “zero”, citing three positives in more than 8,000 tests.
But the fate of South Africa’s rugby sevens team has everyone on alert after they were forced to move to a designated quarantine hotel when a passenger on their flight tested positive.
They all tested negative but may be forced to remain in isolation for 14 days and miss their competition.