FILE – Discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda (right) and wheelchair runner Jerrold Mangliwan. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino para-athlete Jeanette Aceveda has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to withdraw from the discus throwing competition at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Michael Barredo, president of the Philippine Paralympic Committee, announced in a statement Sunday that both Aceveda and his coach Bernard Buen tested positive for the virus after undergoing mandatory daily saliva antigen tests.
The RT-PCR confirmation test at the Tokyo Paralympic Village also yielded positive results for Aceveda and Buen.
The Filipino representatives will be taken to an outside quarantine facility in accordance with the Olympic / Paralympic Playbook.
Aceveda was scheduled to compete on August 31.
“Although she might not be able to fulfill her dream of competing in the Paralympic Games and representing the Philippines, Jeanette still hopes that there will be more opportunities for this to come true in the future,” said Barredo.
“Despite this setback, our Para-athletes are more determined than ever to have the opportunity to achieve Paralympic success and glory for our country.”
The Philippines have yet to win a medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
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