Australian alpine skier Katie Parker is free to make her Olympic debut after returning negative PCR test results overnight.
It comes as a massive relief for the 23-year-old after multiple positive results led to her being forced out of Monday’s women’s giant slalom.
Parker, who contracted COVID-19 last month, will compete in the slalom qualifying from 1.15pm (AEDT) today.
READ MORE: Ian Chappell blasts ‘Justin Langer PR machine’, backs Cummins
READ MORE: Roosters ban centre Joey Manu from playing in All Stars match
READ MORE: US skier Nina O’Brien goes down in brutal crash
Australian Olympic team chef de mission Geoff Lipshut welcomed the news.
“We are thrilled for her after a very difficult ride,” Lipshut said.
“It’s a big ask for her today to step up to this level of competition off the back of this whole experience but she has shown incredible mental toughness and determination.
“She stepped onto that plane knowing there was a real possibility she may be positive at the other end, but here we are this morning waking up to news that further testing has come in negative.
“While we had alerted the medical expert panel of a potential submission, the process now allows for her to take her place at the start line.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZqTDbXL-CW/
“We wish her all the very best today.
“She will become an Olympian and we are delighted that this dream can come alive.”
Parker is one of eight Australians set to compete on day five of the Beijing Winter Oympics.
The others are halfpipe snowboarders Emily Arthur, Scotty James and Valentino Guseli; snowboard cross athletes Belle Brockhoff and Josie Baff; and Jaclyn Narracott and Nicholas Timmings in the skeleton.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!