American golfer Bryson DeChambeau, champion of the 2020 United States Open, has become the first big star of the Olympic Games who will not be able to compete in Tokyo-2020 due to covid-19.
The American athlete was left out of the team that will compete next week, the PGA circuit reported this Sunday.
DeChambeau “will not be able to compete in the Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19,” the circuit said in a Twitter message.
The place of the Californian, number six in the world ranking, will be occupied by Patrick Reed, number 13, who will be the only member of the American team that has already competed in Rio-2016.
The muscular Dechambeau’s participation in Tokyo was highly anticipated as his powerful range of action could wreak havoc on the gigantic 7,447-yard (6,800-meter), par-71 course of the Kasumigaseki Country Club.
The 27-year-old American did not make much of an impression at the recent British Open (33rd) and has actually yet to shine as he did in his dominant win at the 2020 US Open, his only Grand Slam title.
In this way, the Spanish Jon Rahm, one of the favorites for gold, loses a strong rival in the fight for the title.
– DeChambeau disappointed –
“I am deeply disappointed that I cannot compete in the Olympics with Team USA,” DeChambeau said in a statement from the US Golf Federation.
“Representing my country is everything to me and it was a tremendous honor to be part of the team. I wish Team USA the best of luck next week in Tokyo. I will now focus on my health and am looking forward to returning to competition once be fine, “added the 2020 US Open winner.
Team USA Golf is thus made up of Patrick Reed, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele in the men’s competition, and Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang, Lexi Thompson and Jessica Korda in the women’s.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to represent our country and be a part of Team USA in Tokyo,” said Reed.
“I only wish Bryson the best, and I know how disappointed he is not being able to compete. I will do my best to give my all to represent our country,” he said.
Andy Levinson, executive director of the US federation, USA Golf, regretted DeChambeau’s dismissal.
“We are obviously disappointed in Bryson, as we know what he wanted to represent the United States at the Olympics,” Levinson said.
“But we are delighted with Patrick Reed’s desire to play for his country, despite having to face a whole series of controls by the covid. He is prepared to get to compete on time, on a golf course that he has never seen. before I start competing, “added the CEO.
“That illustrates the importance that the Olympics and Team USA have for Patrick. We are delighted to host him in Tokyo and we know that he will be a formidable competitor for Team USA,” concluded Levinson.
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