Katie will compete in the Women’s Slalom with the first runs starting at 11.50am Beijing time and a second run this afternoon at 3.40pm.

Her delayed departure from the United States due to ongoing positive tests resulted in her name coming off the starters list for Monday’s Giant Slalom.

However, after returning the required negative tests for travel, she boarded the plane hopeful of making the Women’s Slalom competition.

The alpine athlete spent the night in a hotel in Zhangjiakou after arriving at Beijing Airport yesterday where she returned a positive test.

Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Geoff Lipshut says it’s a huge relief for Katie and the entire Team that she can now make her debut as an Olympian.

“We are thrilled for her after a very difficult ride. It’s a big ask for her today to step up to this level of competition off the back of this whole experience but she has shown incredible mental toughness and determination.

“She stepped onto that plane knowing there was a real possibility she may be positive at the other end, but here we are this morning waking up to news that further testing has come in negative. 

“While we had alerted the Medical Expert Panel of a potential submission, the process now allows for her to take her place at the start line.

“We wish her all the very best today. She will become an Olympian and we are delighted that this dream can come alive,” Mr Lipshut concluded.

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EARLIER: Positive test for Australian athlete but hope remains

Australian alpine skier Katie Parker is now isolating in a hotel room in Zhangjiakou after an initial PCR test at Beijing airport came back positive.

The results of a second confirmatory test will determine what will happen next. A third test will follow. Those results will be known in the morning.

Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Geoff Lipshut says Katie has been told of her result and the process ahead.

“Katie has always understood this was a possibility. We are doing all we can to give her the opportunity to compete tomorrow but there’s a process to go through. We are still hopeful.

“She is attempting to make her Olympic debut and she has earned her place on the Team.

“We have had the benefit of dealing with the Medical Expert Panel (MEP) and the Public Health System with our previous experience with Tahli Gill, where we had a good outcome.

“However, if Katie returns further positive tests, it will be impossible for her to compete in the Women’s Slalom tomorrow. That is the unfortunate reality. It is a risk she understood before travel.

“A further positive test with CT values that are low also means there’s every chance she will be required to go into an isolation hotel, given she is not symptomatic.

“We will be doing everything in our power to ensure that Katie receives all the support and care possible whatever the outcome.

“Our focus is ensuring she is well looked after. We have brought Katie to Zhangjiakou so we can do our own testing and get a clear picture of what her situation is. We will be keeping her and her support network fully informed.”

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