Virus forces Australian women’s water polo team into quarantine on eve of Games

FOUR members of the Australian women’s water polo team have been segregated from their teammates after being floored by a virus.

The Australian women’s water polo team have been floored by a virus. Picture. Phil Hillyard

FOUR members of the Australian women’s water polo team have been segregated from their teammates after being floored by a virus.

In a disruptive setback to the Aussie Stingers medal hopes just four days out from the games, team management ushered the four players into building BV1 — which normally houses AOC and team officials — immediately after arriving in Rio on Monday afternoon.

The four picked up a bug while training in Rome in the lead-up to this week’s games.

The Australian women’s water polo team training ahead of the Olympics. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Australian chef de mission Kitty Chiller said the four team members would not have any contact with their teammates until cleared by the team doctor.

“Their flight was delayed out of Rome and four of the athletes, none of the officials, but four of the athletes have contracted gastro.

“They’re landing about six o’clock tonight (local Brazil time) and we’ve decided to move them into BV1, some alternate accomodation and we’ll keep them in isolation.

“(AOC team doctor) Dr David Hughes will keep a close eye on them and they’ll stay in there for 48 hours until after they’re all cleared.

“There’ll be no interaction between anyone and the village for the next 48-hours.”

At this stage, there is no suggestion that team management have discussed replacing the four ahead of their first match on Tuesday against Russia.

The Stingers are shooting for another podium finish after their bronze at the London Olympics, with the squad featuring a strong mix of experience and fresh talent.

Originally published as Virus forces Australian women’s water polo team into quarantine on eve of Games