It happens just days before the official opening of the Games with the inaugural ceremony, and also at its first steps in the Defense Arena, the sports facilities that will host the water competitions after its transformation from a concert hall and rugby stadium.

Five members of Australia's female water polo team have been positive for Covid-19 just days before the Paris Olympics, officials said on Wednesday.

In total, Australia has a team of 13 people displaced to Paris. The contagion, which two days ago was reduced to two players, has led to the implementation of the necessary protocols that were implemented when the pandemic erupted: isolation from training, the use of masks and social distance.

Head of the team, Anna Meares, confirmed that they would resume training when they were well enough. “They are following all the protocols we have. I can confirm that the entire water pole equipment has also been examined," he added.

Covid and Olympics

The Paris Summer Olympics are the first to be held after the global COVI pandemic, which delayed the Tokyo Games, which even took place without spectators.

Paris is a long way from those years of great concern about the pandemic and the lack of a working vaccine or greater knowledge of the disease, but that does not mean there are no cases of Covid-19.

There are cases, and within the logistics of a global event such as Paris 2024, health control is one of the major challenges for the organisation: health equipment or control measures are needed.

Everything has already been put to the test with the first case that came to light this week after the Australian water polo team confirmed a positive case.

Both the Australian authorities responsible for the team and the French authorities responsible for organising the games played down the case and sent out a message of reassurance after the usual measures had been taken in such cases, such as isolating the person concerned.

Waterpolo team

A 13-member Australian women’s water polo team will be led by 32-year-old Zoe Arancini, who will be making her third appearance at the Olympics along with Keesja Gofers.

The 34-year-old Gofers, now a mother of one-year-old daughter Teleri, will become the third Aussie Stinger to compete at the Olympics as a mother. Two-time Olympians Bronwyn Smith (nee Mayers) and Lea Yanitsas are the other two. 

With Abby Andrews, Elle Armit, Bronte Halligan, Tilly Kearns and Gabi Palm all returning for their second Olympics, the Australian women’s water polo squad for the Paris Olympics boasts plenty of experience.

Meanwhile, Alice Williams, Sienna Hearn, Sienna Green, Genevieve Longman, Danijela Jackovich and Charlize Andrews will be making their Olympic debuts. Green, 19, is also set to become the youngest Aussie Stinger to compete at the Olympics. 

The women’s water polo competition at the 2024 Summer Games will be a 10-team tournament. It will be held at the Paris Aquatic Centre and the Paris La Defense Arena from 27 July to 10 August.