Dwell Updates: The Tokyo Olympics: NPR

By Jack On Jul 25, 2021

Bryson DeChambeau of the United States tested positive for the coronavirus before leaving the United States for the Tokyo Olympics. It was shown here at the Open Championship in Scotland earlier this month. Chris Trotman / Getty Images Hide caption

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Chris Trotman / Getty Images

TOKYO – The golf world is shaking after two of the best golfers miss the Summer Olympics in Tokyo due to the coronavirus. World number one Jon Rahm from Spain and # 6 Bryson DeChambeau from the USA both tested positive before going to Japan.

The Spaniard Jon Rahm pays tribute to the crowd during the finals of the 149th British Open Golf Championship earlier this month. Paul Ellis / AFP via Getty Images Hide caption

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Paul Ellis / AFP via Getty Images

A statement from USA Golf said DeChambeau tested positive for the coronavirus as part of the final protocol before leaving the United States for Japan. He will be replaced by Patrick Reed, who took part in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Reed will now go through the test protocol before flying to Tokyo.

In a statement, the Spanish Olympic Committee said cream was positive after undergoing a third test in a row – the first two were negative. The multiple testing was required as he was in the UK last week playing at the Open Championship where he finished third.

Rahms test result is a startling replay from last month when he was forced to retire from a tournament he led after testing positive. Spanish officials say there isn’t enough time to find a replacement for Rahm who leaves the squad with just one player to represent the country at the Olympics. The men’s competition starts on Thursday.

Even before DeChambeau tested positive, the American had a tough year. He has publicly argued with fellow pro Brooks Koepka and was mocked at the Open Championship this month when he complained about his clubs after playing poorly.

As of Sunday, 137 people in Japan linked to the Olympics had tested positive for the coronavirus, including at least 13 athletes. Neither cream nor DeChambeau are included in this total as they were not in Japan.