Positive for Covid-19, Jarl Magnus Riiber doubts participation in the Beijing Olympics

Nordic Combined: Positive for Covid-19, Jarl Magnus Riiber doubts participation in the Beijing Olympics

Tested positive for Covid-19 just before the Beijing Olympic Games, Jarl Magnus Riiber has already missed one event. The Norwegian is now pessimistic about his chances of competing in the remaining events.

As a favorite in the Nordic combined events, Riiber tested positive upon his arrival in China and has almost lost hope of participating in the two remaining scheduled races. He has already been forced to withdraw from the normal hill event and can only hope to participate in the large hill event on February 15 and the team event two days later.

However, he noted, "I am somewhat realistic and I don't believe I will be able to compete here at all. I'm doubtful," he stated from his hotel room where he is in isolation, according to Norwegian media TV2 and VG.

The issue lies in the CT values, which measure the viral load, still far from the required levels to be cleared to compete. Although he feels physically fit and his isolation period is set to end soon, he remains skeptical about the test results. "If it’s true that you need to be above a certain CT value, we are in trouble," Riiber acknowledged.

Moreover, he expressed distrust in the testing methods, asserting that results can vary based on how the test is administered. To exit isolation, Riiber must produce two negative PCR tests, taken at least 24 hours apart, as required for athletes testing positive for Covid-19 in Beijing.