New Zealand double Commonwealth Games medalist, Anton Cooper has tested positive for Covid-19 and has taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the Birmingham 2022 mountain bike competition. He is being supported by the New Zealand Team in hotel isolation just outside the Athletes’ Village. While Cooper is symptomatic, there are no immediate concerns for his health. Cooper tested negative on arrival into the Athletes’ Village and began to isolate prior to testing positive. No other team members are symptomatic and close contacts have returned multiple negative tests for Covid-19. New Zealand Team doctors support his decision to withdraw on medical grounds.
Anton Cooper:
“I’m absolutely gutted. After winning gold in 2014 and silver in 2018, I had put a focus on competing in Birmingham over UCI World Cup races that clash. I injured my wrist in a recent World Cup but was preparing well and to miss out like this is really disappointing. While I’m feeling a bit under the weather, my symptoms are pretty mild overall – but I just don’t think it’s going to be good for me to race. I’ve taken so much care not to get Covid for several months, so this is disappointing when it means missing out on representing my country. I will be making sure I’m supporting the rest of the New Zealand Team from my isolation room.
Nigel Avery, New Zealand Team Chef de Mission:
“I absolutely feel for Anton, he’s a fantastic cyclist and to have to rule himself out like this is a gutting. We commend him for his vigilance and thank him for taking immediate steps to isolate, even before he tested positive. I’ve been in touch with him and he’s starting to feel a bit better which is good news. He’s being well supported by the New Zealand Team doctors and health team and I know all of us in the New Zealand Team are thinking of him.”