A fiasco with COVID-19 testing left American speedskater Casey Dawson unable to compete in the 5,000 meter event at the Winter Olympics — and stuck stateside — but he was determined to participate in his first Olympic Games no matter what and no matter how late he arrived.
On Sunday, Dawson began a journey halfway around the world, in hopes of arriving in China just hours before the 1,500 meter race on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old tested positive for the virus about three weeks ago, but was under the impression he would be able to make the trek if he produced two consecutive negative tests. He was then informed he needed four consecutive tests from approved testing sites.
Dawson was unable to get cleared in time to be there for his first race, but the Team USA athlete refused to miss out on the opportunity. After getting his fourth negative test on Saturday night, Dawson left Salt Lake City on Sunday morning for a flight to Atlanta. He then hopped on a red-eye to Paris — and will then get on another red-eye to Beijing.
This may be one of the GREATEST all out, last minute, globe crossing, sprints ever made to the #OlympicGames @USSpeedskating‘s #CaseyDawson is about to fly SLC>ATL>Paris>Beijing in less than 2 days… landing just hours away from competing! #GetCasey2Beijing @TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/WJqCBhvmEe
— Gadi Schwartz (@GadiNBC) February 6, 2022
Meanwhile here’s Casey’s view as he heads to Atlanta! He promised to post updates so follow his insta! @caseydawson11 @USSpeedskating #TeamUSA #getcasey2beijing 🏅 pic.twitter.com/ZGPgC1AOUf
— Gadi Schwartz (@GadiNBC) February 6, 2022
Casey’s 1st long leg to Beijing now underway with some longer leg room too! #getcasey2beijing @realcaseydawson @USSpeedskating #WinterOlympics #teamusa pic.twitter.com/7Dhluh3Kej
— Gadi Schwartz (@GadiNBC) February 6, 2022
If globetrotting was an Olympic sport, Dawson would most certainly get the gold medal.
