Winter Olympian Breaks Down In Tears Over Winter Olympics Isolation
She posted an emotional video on social media, explaining her side of the gut-wrenching story.
Belgian skeleton racer Kim Meylemans broke down in tears after she tested positive to Covid-19 upon arrival at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
The heartbreaking news meant she had to go into 14-day isolation and return several negative tests before being allowed to enter the Olympic Village alongside the other athletes.
And after recording three negative results, Meylemans was expecting to return to the village - but she did not.
"On the way to the village we did not turn into the village," she said in an emotional video on social media.
"But the ambulance went to another facility, where I am now supposed to... the IOC got surprised by this decision as well.
"I am allowed to slide alone. I am, we are, not even sure I will ever be allowed to return to the village. Obviously this is very hard for me.
"I ask you all to give me some time to consider my next steps, because I'm not sure I can handle 14 more days and the Olympic competition while being in this isolation."
Meylemans received an outpouring of support from fans on social media as hundreds flocked to the comments section of her video.
It was clear from the clip that the 25-year-old was struggling mentally at the prospect of her Winter Olympic dreams being ripped from underneath her.
Upon seeing the video of Meylemans in tears, the International Olympic Committee stepped in and swiftly moved her to the Yanqing Village.
"It seems like the video and especially also the efforts of my Olympic Committee paid off," Meylemans said.
"At 11.35pm there was a knock on my door and I was escorted to the Olympic Village. I am now in a wing that's just isolation but at least I'm back in the village. I feel safe and I'll be able to train a little better here."
Belgian Olympic officials also played a major role in ensuring their athlete was in a good place.
"We are very pleased that this has now been successfully achieved," Belgian Olympic delegation leader Olav Spahl said.
"We understand that the COVID measures are necessary to safeguard the safety and health of participants in the Games, but we believe that the athlete should always be at the centre of such an approach."
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@kimmeylemansTopics: olympic village, isolation, Kim Meylemans, Australia, Winter Olympics, Covid-19
Max Sherry