Champion pole vaulter tests positive for COVID

American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks withdrew from the Olympics after he tested positive for coronavirus, U.S. Olympic officials said Thursday. The two-time world champion and strong gold contender is isolating at a hotel but with no symptoms. Three members of the Australian track and field team who had contact with Kendricks received an all-clear after brief isolation and rapid tests came back negative. Track and field competitions will begin Friday.

Any notable performances? Swimmer Caleb Dressel won his first-ever individual gold medal at the men’s 100-meter freestyle on Thursday. China beat out American Katie Ledecky and Australia with a world-record performance at the women’s 4x200-meter freestyle relay. In a social media post, gymnast Simone Biles thanked people for the support she received after withdrawing from the final, saying it made her realize, “I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before.”

Dig deeper: Read Sharon Dierberger’s WORLD Magazine report on a gold medalist swimmer’s journey to Tokyo.