Winter Olympics | Athletes must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, says U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee

CEO Sarah Hirshland wrote in a letter that from Novemeber 1, the USOPC will require staff, athletes and others utilising training centres and other to be vaccinated.

U.S. athletes trying to make the Winter Olympics will have to be fully vaccinated for under a groundbreaking new policy announced by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

CEO Sarah Hirshland wrote in a letter obtained by The Associated Press that, starting from Novemeber 1, the USOPC will require staff, athletes and others utilising training centres and other USOPC facilities to be vaccinated.

The requirement, she said, “will also apply to our full Team USA delegation at future Olympic and Paralympic Games.” According to the team website, athletes will have to show proof of vaccination by December 1. The U.S. is expected to send around 240 athletes to the Winter Olympics, though the mandate will impact hundreds more – anyone with hopes of making the final squad.