Australian Olympics debutant Katie Parker avoids Beijing nightmare

An Aussie gambled everything to fly to Beijing for the Winter Olympics and was immediately ordered into isolation, but the gamble paid off.

Aussie Olympics debutant Katie Parker has been cleared to compete in the Women’s Slalom event in Beijing after consecutive PCR test results came in negative overnight.

Parker was ordered into isolation after gambling everything and flying to Beijing.

The 23-year-old rolled the dice after testing positive for Covid-19 in January before she returned two negative tests in the days leading up to her journey from the United States to China.

Parker had already been forced to delay her travel plans and missed the chance to compete in the women’s super slalom this week after failing to produce the two negative test results needed to be cleared by China’s Olympic officials for entry into the Olympic bubble.

She arrived in Beijing on Tuesday and was immediately ordered into isolation, the Australian Olympic Committee confirmed.

But despite the drama, Parker will make her Olympic debut on Wednesday, with the first runs of the women’s slalom starting at 11.50am Beijing time.

“We are thrilled for her after a very difficult ride,” Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Geoff Lipshut said in a statement.

“It’s a big ask for her today to step up to this level of competition off the back of this whole experience but she has shown incredible mental toughness and determination.

“She stepped onto that plane knowing there was a real possibility she may be positive at the other end, but here we are this morning waking up to news that further resting has come in negative.

“While we had alerted the Medical Expert Panel of a potential submission, the process now allows for her to take her place at the start line.

“We wish her all the very best today. She will become an Olympian and we are delighted that this dream can come alive.”

A photo posted on Katie Parker's Instagram page. Photo: Instagram, @k_atieparker.

A photo posted on Katie Parker's Instagram page. Photo: Instagram, @k_atieparker.

Earlier …

The AOC released a statement on Tuesday night confirming Parker is isolating in a hotel room in Zhangjiakou and has not joined the rest of the Aussie team.

According to the statement, Parker is now waiting for a second test result and will undergo a third test result on Wednesday just hours before her event.

If the second test result is also positive, Parker will be moved to an isolation facility before being put on a plane to leave China.

“Katie has always understood this was a possibility,” Lipshut said.

“We are doing all we can to give her the opportunity to compete tomorrow but there’s a process to go through. We are still hopeful.

“She is attempting to make her Olympic debut and she has earned her place on the Team.

“We have had the benefit of dealing with the Medical Expert Panel (MEP) and the Public Health System with our previous experience with Tahli Gill, where we had a good outcome.

“However, if Katie returns further positive tests, it will be impossible for her to compete in the Women’s Slalom tomorrow. That is the unfortunate reality. It is a risk she understood before travel.

Katie Parker competes in Aussie colours. Photo: Instagram, @k_atieparker.

“A further positive test with CT values that are low also means there’s every chance she will be required to go into an isolation hotel, given she is not symptomatic.

“We will be doing everything in our power to ensure that Katie receives all the support and care possible whatever the outcome.

“Our focus is ensuring she is well looked after. We have brought Katie to Zhangjiakou so we can do our own testing and get a clear picture of what her situation is. We will be keeping her and her support network fully informed.”

It is a devastating development for Parker, who earlier this week posted an excited message on Instagram that she had been cleared to attend the Olympics.

“Deep breath. It’s been a long week but … I’m going to the Olympics,” she wrote on an Instagram post.

“Got Covid recently and needed those negative tests to get into China. Sad my teammate madi can’t come due to a recent injury. Feeling Grateful to have such great family and friends as my support system.”

Her situation comes after Aussie curler Tahli Gill was allowed to compete in the final two matches of the mixed team event despite having earlier been ordered into isolation before they could be sent home.

The conditions for athletes forced into isolation facilities at the Beijing Games has made headlines around the world with photos revealing the revolting meals being served.