PARIS, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Australian swimmer Lani Pallister has withdrawn from the women's 1500m freestyle at the Paris Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) said on Tuesday.
The announcement came just an hour before the 22-year-old's scheduled heat swim at La Defense Arena in the French capital.
"She [Pallister] has tested positive for COVID and has made the decision to save her energy for the 4x200m freestyle relay on Thursday," the AOC said on social media.
Pallister had been considered a medal chance, having become the first female swimmer to win three freestyle titles at one edition of the world shortcourse championships with victories in the 400m, 800m and 1500m at the 2022 edition in Melbourne.
In addition to the 1500m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relay, Pallister was also expected to compete in the women's 800m freestyle later in the week.
Pallister is the second swimmer in as many days to be diagnosed with COVID-19 in Paris.
On Monday, Briton Adam Peaty tested positive for the virus, just hours after claiming silver in the men's 100m breaststroke. ■
