SIX BRITISH athletes have been forced to quarantine in Tokyo after being deemed close contacts of an individual who tested positive for coronavirus following their flight to Japan.

The six, all members of the athletics team, plus two support staff, are now isolating in their respective hotel rooms at Team GB’s training camp in Yokohama.

The PA news agency reported that two members of Team GB’s HQ team are in isolation in the Olympic Village following close contact with another individual who tested positive in Japan, taking the total number of affected Team GB individuals to 10.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) confirmed that the group of eight have all tested negative for the virus and will continue to follow the direction of Games and Japanese government officials. It is understood the same applies in the further two cases.

The BOA said that it “can confirm that six athletes and two staff members from the athletics team, who through no fault of their own have been identified as close contacts of an individual — not from the Team GB delegation — who tested positive for Covid-19 following their inbound flight on July 16 2021.

“This was identified through Tokyo 2020’s reporting service and the group have since started a period of self-isolation in their rooms at the BOA’s Preparation Camp, in line with Tokyo 2020’s Playbook protocols.

“The group all tested negative at the airport and have continued to test negative upon arrival into the country. They are under the supervision of the Team GB medical team, led by chief medical officer Dr Niall Elliott.

“The BOA continues to operate extensive Covid-19 testing protocols and mitigation measures and follow all respective health guidance from the Government of Japan, TOCOG, the IOC and our local partners in Japan.”

The news is certain to adversely affect preparations for the team, the majority of which is staying in Yokohama alongside athletes from other sports including swimming, boxing and gymnastics prior to their gradual move into the Olympic Village prior to their respective competitions.

Team GB chef de mission Mark England said: “This is disappointing news for the athletes and staff, but we absolutely respect the protocols in place.

“We will offer them every support during this period and we are hopeful that they will be able resume training again soon.

“This is disappointing news for the athletes and staff, but we absolutely respect the protocols in place. We will offer them every support during this period and we are hopeful that they will be able resume training again soon.”