The top-ranked skeet shooter in the world, Amber Hill, has been forced to withdraw from the Olympics after she tested positive for COVID-19 before departure.
A finalist in the event at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and one of Great Britain's best chances to collect a gold medal in Tokyo, the 23-year old Hill has won three gold medals at the 2015 European Championships, 2017 Commonwealth Games and 2021 World Championships.
Statement from Hill
"There are no words to describe how I am feeling right now", she said. "After five years of training and preparation, I'm absolutely devastated to say that I received a positive COVID-19 test, meaning that i've had to withdraw from Team GB's shooting team.
"Although I don't have any symptoms, I will isolate as per the Government guidance and will be taking some time off to somehow begin to process everything. I would like to wish the best of luck to all of Team GB who are out in Tokyo, especially the shooting team who have supported me massively throughout my career.
"I will be back from this, but right now I need some time to reflect and take in what has happened."
Team GB statement
Chief de Mission Mark England stated "my heart goes out to Amber, and we're just sad for her that she is unable to join us in Tokyo. She's an incredibly gifted athlete and we dearly hope to see her again at a future Olympic games."
Shooting team leader Steven Seligmann added "this is an incredibly sad situation for Amber after she's worked so hard to earn her Olympic place for Team GB. Our focus now is to make sure Amber is kept safe and well, both physically and mentally, and we have the support in place to help her through this difficult period."