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David Johnston Withdraws From 10k Open Water, Ivan Puskovitch Will Be Only American Swimming

2024 PARIS SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES

Ivan Puskovitch will now be the only American swimming in the men’s 10k open water race at the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 9, after David Johnston withdrew from the race. Johnston tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday but still raced in the men’s 1500 free, finishing 18th overall and missing the final.

The second 10k spot was offered to Luke Whitlock, but he declined because he is also recovering from COVID-19. His only pool race of the meet was the 800 free, which he raced before he tested positive for the illness and placed 15th in.

Entries for the women’s 10k remain the same for Team USA, with both Katie Grimes and Mariah Denigan set to compete.

Notably, swimming the 10k means swimming in the Seine River, which has failed multiple water quality tests due to the levels of E. Coli in the water. However, the river was deemed safe enough to compete in for the men’s and women’s triathalons, which both concluded on Thursday.  That being said, the mixed relay triathlon training set to happen Saturday was cancelled due to poor water quality.

The Seine water quality issues also overlap with a COVID-19 outbreak on the American swim team, as in addition to Johnston and Whitlock, 4×200 free relay prelims swimmer Blake Pieroni also tested positive.

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Distance Revolution
3 months ago

I pray my glorious king Ivan won’t get sick

Texan
3 months ago

Didn’t he redshirt to train for the Olympics? Then gets covid during the meet. That’s just brutal.

Here Comes Lezak
3 months ago

Imagine having COVID, having to swim a 10k, and then getting dysentery from said 10k. I’d rather punch myself in the face.

oxyswim
3 months ago

Another hard rainfall today in Paris, doesn’t need to add diarrhea to Covid.

SHRKB8
3 months ago

Feel terrible for David but this seems like the most sensible option considering Covid. I know Whitlock has knocked back the opportunity but C’mon Bobby, your country needs you – give it a crack and exceed your own expectations. 🤞

Swimmer
3 months ago

Feel terrible for Johnston.

tea rex
3 months ago

Couldn’t the e coli kill the covid?

Texan
Reply to  tea rex
3 months ago

I laughed a lot harder than I should have at this.

DK99
3 months ago

An impressively dismal outing for America’s male swimmers.

Current coach
Reply to  DK99
3 months ago

I don’t think a 10k with COVID would be very fun

Ole 99
Reply to  Current coach
3 months ago

COVID and poopy water… sounds lovely

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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