Olympic Athletes Complain About Conditions Of Quarantine Facilities In Beijing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Olympians from several countries are speaking out about poor conditions in quarantine hotels used by athletes at the Beijing Winter Olympics. They’re describing inedible meals, little or no access to training equipment, and confusing COVID testing protocols.

According to the Associated Press, Russian athlete Valeria Vasnetsova posted a photo on Instagram showing the meal she had been served three meals a day for five days. The photo consisted of some plain pasta, charred meat, an orange-looking sauce and no apparent vegetables. She says she has lost a lot of weight, and doesn’t even have the strength to get out of bed. The post has since been deleted and her profile has been made private.

The head of Germany’s delegation says the room given to three-time gold medalist Eric Frenzel after he tested positive also had unreasonable conditions. The official says the room was too small, not clean, and food deliveries didn’t come often enough.

Athletes are stuck in these isolation facilities until they test negative with two consecutive PCR tests, then they can go back to the Olympic Village and train with their teams.

Olympic organizers say they’re working to address the problems as quickly as they can.

Our question of the night: should all athletes be given the same treatment and living conditions?

This episode’s panel features:
WCCB TV’s Morgan Fogarty
WCCB News Edge contributor Ashley Anderson
WCCB News Edge contributor and Fox Sports Charlotte Radio host Tremaine “QCB” Sloan