Virus hits U.S. women in 3-on-3 basketball
Another Olympic medalist hopeful from Team USA has been forced to withdraw from the Tokyo Games.
Katie Lou Samuelson, who was picked to play for Team USA in the 3x3 women’s basketball competition, announced on Monday she was sick with COVID and therefore unable to play for the team.
“Competing in the Olympics has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and I hope someday soon I can come back to realize that dream,” Samuelson, 24, wrote in a post on Instagram. “I am especially heartbroken as I am fully vaccinated and took every precaution, but I know everything will work itself out in the way it’s supposed to.
“I wish nothing but the best to my USAB teammates as they go there and crush it,” said Samuelson, who also plays for the Seattle Storm. “I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.”
USA Basketball clarified Samuelson was moved into the health and safety protocol on Saturday while still in Las Vegas. The rest of the 3x3 roster — Stephanie Dolson, Allisha Gray and Kelsey Plum — is still expected to be heading to Tokyo.
“Our hearts are broken for Lou. We thank her for her endless commitment to building up USA Basketball 3x3 & we will miss her dearly in Tokyo. #USABfamily,” USAB shared in a statement Monday.
Jackie Young, the Las Vegas Aces’ 2019 No. 1 pick, will replace Samuelson on the roster. Young previously played on USA Basketball’s 3x3 team at the 2019 World Beach Games in Qatar. That team went 3-1 and lost in the quarterfinals to Brazil. She also joined the 3x3 team’s Olympic Qualifying training camp in 2020.
Team USA basketball left as one unit for Tokyo on Monday.
The opening ceremonies for these pandemic-delayed Olympics start Friday. The 3x3 competition, making its Olympic debut, will start on Saturday. Team USA starts play on Sunday with the women tipping off against France. Team USA does not have a men’s 3x3 team.