British athelete Zak Seddon on Thursday said that he was ‘struggling’ in isolation as Tokyo Olympics authorities have not allowed him to break the quarantine despite producing 11 negative COVID-19 tests. The steeplechase has been in isolation for the past six days in his room at the UK Athletics camp in Yokohama, being allowed out only to train.  

Expressing his frustration on Twitter, the athlete said, “Urm Nah.. we’ve been stuck inside for 6days now with 11 negative test and all double vaccinated. Shocked we’re not allowed back into a Covid safe environment. My Olympic experience will be spent alone, bar a few socially distanced hours a day.”

Also Read: 18 athletes to watch out for at Tokyo Olympics

Zak’s tweet comes a day after Britain’s 400m hurdler Jessie Knight revealed that she is also one of the six British track and field athletes forced to self isolate themselves.

ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics 2020: Key arrangements amid COVID-19 pandemic

According to IANS, six athletes and four staff members have remained in isolation since their arrival as per the guidelines after they were identified as close physical contacts of a passenger on their flight to Japan who was tested positive for COVID-19. The passenger is completely unconnected to the British contingent.

The group, however, tested negative for the virus upon arrival and has been reporting negative ever since, but they have still not been allowed to ditch the isolation.

ALSO READ | What are the new events added for Tokyo Olympics 2020?

The isolation of athletes despite producing negative COVID test has left the British Olympic Association frustrated and they are reportedly seeking urgent clarity from Tokyo 2020 officials over what seem to be shifting definitions of the rules.

The Summer Games officials have so far refused to say as to when the athletes and staff will be released.

Tokyo Olympics 2020, which comes after a year-long delay in view of the COVID-19 pandemic has begun on Friday. It is scheduled to be held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Japan.

As far as Olympics’ COVID protocols go, the final version of the Playbook issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 15, said athletes who do not follow COVID-19 protocols at the Tokyo Olympics would risk harsh penalties, including expulsion from the Games.  

The Olympics and Paralympics are anticipated to attract 15,400 athletes, according to officials.