U.S. women’s 3x3 basketball player Samuelson out of Tokyo 2020 after positive COVID test

Katie Lou Samuelson, formerly of the University of Connecticut Huskies and currently with the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, will miss the debut of 3x3 basketball at the Olympic Games after a COVID-19 test returned positive while training in Las Vegas.

“I will not be able to go and compete in Tokyo," Samuelson said in a statement. "Competing in the Olympics has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and I hope someday soon I can come back to realise that dream.

The Storm guard continued: “I wish nothing but the best to my USAB teammates as they go out there and crush it. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.”

Jackie Young, of the Las Vegas Aces, will replace Samuelson in the U.S. team as the Americans take aim at the inaugural 3x3 basketball competition. She’ll join up with Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray and Aces teammate Kelsey Plum in Tokyo.

The U.S. open their 3x3 basketball tournament at Tokyo 2020 (in 2021) on 24 July against France in the preliminary round.