US Athletes Must Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Before Joining Next Year's Winter Olympics

Illustration of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics (Twitter @beijing2022)

JAKARTA - The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) on Wednesday said all U.S. athletes competing in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics should be vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Effective as of November 1, 2021, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee require all USOPC staff, athletes, and those using USOPC facilities, including training centers, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19," USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland wrote in a letter, quoted by Antara from Reuters.

"This requirement will also apply to full Team USA delegates in the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics."

Athletes and staff should have the opportunity to obtain medical or religious exemptions in order to fulfill these obligations, the USOPC said.

None of the major sports leagues in North America require their athletes to be vaccinated. The International Olympic Committee does not require athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics to be vaccinated although it is recommended.

Hirshland said the USOPC hoped the COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted at the end of the Tokyo Olympics which were delayed due to the pandemic but in fact, the pandemic "is not over".

"This move will enhance our ability to create a safe and productive environment for Team USA athletes and staff, and allow us to restore consistency in planning, preparation, and service to athletes," he said.

This step has the support of the Athlete Advisory Council and the National Governing Body Council, he said. This was further strengthened by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the Pfizer vaccine and the recent US federal government's vaccine obligation.

The Beijing Winter Olympics begin February 4 next year.