BPA Statement: Steve Arnold

Having met the pre-departure requirements for travel to the Games, Nordic skier Steve Arnold tested positive for COVID on arrival in Beijing and is currently awaiting further test results.

Under the principles of the Beijing 2022 regulations all athletes must return a negative test upon arrival at the airport and If athletes return a positive test, further confirmatory tests are required.

ParalympicsGB is supporting local public health authorities in China with further testing and organisers are aware that Steve’s current test results are highly likely to be the result of an earlier infection.

ParalympicsGB and Beijing 2022 organisers are in constant contact and the ParalympicsGB welfare team, assisted by local medical and language support organised by ParalympicsGB, are supporting Steve while tests are ongoing.

As always, ParalympicsGB’s top priority is the health and welfare of its athletes which is why the decision for Steve to travel to the Games was made following extensive discussions between the athlete, GB Snowsport and ParalympicsGB in conjunction with medical experts based in the UK and in Beijing.

The decision to travel considered all implications while supporting Steve’s strong desire to participate at the Games. ParalympicsGB continues to support Steve and his ambitions to compete in his remaining events.

Update: Steve is now out of isolation and in the Athletes’ Village. He will compete in the Para cross-country skiing at Beijing 2022 on 12 March.