Matthew Hauser, the winner of WTCS Montreal earlier this summer, has revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be racing at the Paris Olympic Test Event.
In an Instagram story, the Australian star revealed a picture of the positive test and confirmed that he will not be starting. Instead, he will look ahead to the WTCS Final in Pontevedra in September.
As per the Australian Olympic selection policy Hauser would have needed to finish inside the top-8 in Paris to book his place on the Olympic team. Having won in Montreal and claimed a silver medal at WTCS Yokohama, a top-8 would have been well within his capabilities.
However, he will still have the chance to earn his place in Pontevedra.
Hauser has at least enjoyed the chance to take part in the course familiarizations. Much like Flora Duffy in the women’s event, while his last-minute withdrawal will rob him of experiencing the route in full race conditions, he has at least been able to garner a feel for it.
In the absence of Hauser, the Australian men will be represented by Jacob Birtwhistle, Luke Willian and Brandon Copeland. If any of those three finish in the top-8, they will be guaranteed a return to Paris at next summer’s Olympic Games.
Hauser’s withdrawal also serves as a reminder of the ongoing danger of COVID-19, particularly from an athletic perspective. While the world has moved on from the pandemic, the reality of the virus remains.
