Katie Lou Samuelson Is Ruled Out Of The Olympics After Testing Positive For COVID-19

LAS VEGAS — Katie Lou Samuelson has been ruled out of the Olympics for 3-on-3 basketball after catching COVID-19 while training in Las Vegas.

“I will not be able to compete in Tokyo,” she added “In a statement, Samuelson said. “Competing in the Olympics has been a goal of mine since I was a child, and I hope to be able to fulfill it very soon. I’m especially upset because I was completely vaccinated and took all precautions, but I’m confident that everything will turn out as it should. I wish my USAB teammates nothing but the best as they go out and kill it. Every step of the way, I’ll be rooting for you.”

Samuelson, who plays for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA, went home during her European season to be immunized so she could assist the United States to qualify for the Olympics in May.

Jackie Young, who represented the United States in a 3-on-3 training camp in 2020 and also competed in the event at the 2019 World Beach Games, will take her spot on the roster. Young joins Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, and Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces.

The Americans had been practicing in Las Vegas for a week and were being tested on a daily basis. They only ate together off the court for breakfast and lunch, and they kept their distance during those times.

On Monday, the US squad flew to Tokyo alongside the 5-on-5 men’s and women’s teams. The preliminary rounds of the inaugural Olympic 3-on-3 competition begin on July 24 and continue through July 27. On the 27th, the quarterfinals will be contested, followed by the semifinals and finals the following day.