Jelle Geens is OUT of Olympic Games

Belgium’s Jelle Geens will unfortunately miss the men’s individual triathlon at the Olympics after testing COVID-19. However, there is still hope the Belgium will have a chance to race in the mixed team relay.

Geens who had been an outside chance to make the podium joins a list of other athletes who have already tested positive at the games from other sports, including Team GB’s Amber Hill (shooting), Dan Evans (tennis) and Johanna Konta (tennis).

A statement from the Belgian National Olympic Committee was released on Friday “Jelle Geens became infected with corona while he was still preparing for the Olympic Games in Europe”

“According to the rules, a departure to Tokyo is only possible if the traveller is symptom-free in the 14 days before departure and tests negative twice in the last 96 hours before departure at a laboratory accredited by Japan.

“He is symptom-free and has tested negative once.

“If possible, he will travel to Tokyo in the coming days, as soon as this is in accordance with the rules, to participate in the mixed relay next Saturday. He is diligently preparing for this start in Europe.”

Reserve Noah Servais has been sent to Tokyo as a possible replacement for the relay if Geens does not make it, the statement added.