Japan's speed skating coach Johan de Wit said on Thursday he was in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 at the Winter Olympics and that he would have to support the country's medal hopefuls "from a distance."
De Wit became head coach of Japan's speed skating team in 2015, and he coaches medal contenders Miho Takagi as well as the women's pursuit team.
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He attended the team's training session on Monday but did not make an appearance at the ice oval for the team’s practice on Wednesday, Japan's broadcaster NHK reported.
"After receiving a positive PCR test I have been brought to an isolation hotel," de Wit tweeted on Thursday, just two days before the competition starts.
View social media post: https://twitter.com/Jdewitalkmaar/status/1489063149357518851?s=20&t=myzoOPhyJ5-BY6NEA3ypKw
"I feel really sorry for the skaters and staff that are preparing for their Olympic competitions. I will support them from a distance and am convinced that they will fully experience the Olympics."
Asked how the team was managing without de Wit, Chef de Mission Hidehito Ito downplayed the Dutchman's absence at a news conference on Thursday.
"There are many coaches and the athletes have their own coaches too. They are handling the situation," he said.
SEE MORE: How to watch Speed Skating at the 2022 Winter Olympics on NBC and Peacock