Utah speedskater misses Olympic race as COVID requirements change

BEIJING — Casey Dawson is trying to keep a positive attitude, but was devastated when a rule change over COVID-19 testing prevented him from competing in his individual speedskating Olympic race.

Restrictions in China are tight, and even though Dawson now tested negative for the virus after having COVID-19 a few weeks ago,  he won’t be able to join his teammates in Beijing. Despite all of his training and dedication, some things are out of his control.

“It’s unfortunate news for everyone, not just me, but the whole team I have over in Beijing right now,” Dawson told KSL TV’s Alex Cabrero.

Dawson, from Park City, earned his spot on the U.S. Olympic long-track speedskating team in the 5000-meter race. Just after team trials last month, he tested positive for COVID-19.

“Just week by week, I just kept testing positive and positive; no symptoms at all,” he said.

While Dawson wasn’t able to travel with his team as it headed to Beijing, soon after they left, he nested negative. Under the regulations set, he would have been able to go at that point. However, Dawson learned he still wouldn’t be allowed at the games because of a seemingly new rule change.

“You have to do four consecutive negative tests,” he said. “I was told I had to do two consecutive tests, which is on the rulebook.”

And the testing site he was told was approved, now isn’t, and as a result, he will miss out on that 5000-meter race in what was supposed to be his first Olympics.

“Everything was kind of crushed but I just told myself that I can use this opportunity to just keep training and the real focus is the team pursuit and just kind of keep that positive attitude.”

The team events come after the individual speedskating races, and Dawson might make it to Beijing for team competition.

But China is imposing strict COVID-19 restrictions, even for athletes like Dawson, who earned his spot in the Olympics. KSL TV will continue to watch and let you know what happens with Dawson.