Alysa Liu has pulled out of the U.S. Determine Skating Championships after contracting COVID-19, changing into no less than the fourth competitor to check optimistic for the virus main as much as and through nationals.
The 2-time champion was within the place to make the group for the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics after ending third within the brief program lower than a day earlier than saying her withdrawal.
"I am totally vaccinated, have been sporting a n95 masks and received 2 damaging take a look at outcomes earlier than leaving to Nashville," Liu posted on Instagram. "Issues occur sadly ..."
Pairs group and reigning nationwide champions Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier withdrew the day earlier than the competitors began after Frazier examined optimistic. They plan to petition for one of many two pairs openings on the Olympic group.
Liu, 16, additionally stated that she plans to make use of her latest physique of labor to petition for one of many three girls's spots.
"I am grateful to us determine skating for taking the additional precaution and having the required testing amenities to assist hold everybody right here as protected as potential. i am feeling good bodily and mentally and i am wishing all the women good luck for tonight," she wrote on Instagram.
Most stressing to these nonetheless competing, notably leaders Mariah Bell and Karen Chen, is the truth that a number of skaters have been in shut contact with Liu on Thursday evening. Bell and Chen — each of whom are vaccinated — even shared a dais with Liu for interviews after the brief program, although they have been separated by a number of toes and all wore masks.
Liu's optimistic take a look at got here again throughout a routine take a look at all skaters, coaches and different workers are required to take 4 days after arriving in Nashville. She had not been displaying any signs throughout observe this week.
U.S. Determine Skating is now going by a contact-tracing course of in accordance with CDC suggestions.
Liu has lengthy been thought of one of the best hope for an American girl to face alongside the Russians on the rostrum in Beijing. The youngest skater ever to win the U.S. championship is without doubt one of the few with the flexibility to land a clear triple axel, although she fell throughout the brief program on what is taken into account by far essentially the most troublesome triple bounce.
She nonetheless completed with 71.42 factors in her program. Bell led with 75.55 and Chen was second with 74.55.
"I do not actually take into consideration beating others in competitors. If you say, 'Beat the Russians,' that is not my aim," Liu stated. "My aim is to skate how I need to skate. And I really feel like that is simply my aim."
Depart it to the remainder of the close-knit skating world to hype Liu as a substitute. It started when she triumphed at nationals in 2018, breaking Tara Lipinski's file for the youngest winner at 13 years previous. And whereas she was too younger to compete on the Pyeongchang Video games that yr, it was clear that Liu had her sights set on competing in Beijing.
Now, these hopes relaxation within the fingers of a variety committee that can make their choice on Saturday.
So do these of Knierim and Frazier, who have been the favorites to win pairs gold in Nashville. The pair gained the title final yr, when the pandemic prevented any followers from attending nationals in Las Vegas, and Knierim is aiming for an additional Olympic group after competing together with her husband Chris Knierim in Pyeongchang.
"I'm devastated," Frazier stated. "Any athlete would agree with me, you at all times need to have the flexibility to exit and compete. This has been probably the most emotional days of my profession. There's nothing you are able to do, it's important to be protected and good, however the competitor in you needs to exit and compete and defend your title."
Replace 01/07/22, 4:12 p.m. ET: This text was up to date with further data.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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