USA Figure Skater Vincent Zhou Withdraws from Men's Singles After Positive COVID Test

United States figure skater Vincent Zhou announced Monday that he was withdrawing from the 2022 Beijing Olympics following a positive test for COVID-19.

"While it was always my dream to medal on an Olympic stage—which I did accomplish before this happened—the overarching dream was just to skate," he said in an Instagram video. "If I didn't love this, I wouldn't still be doing it. I know I love this. That passion goes a long way."

Zhou received a silver medal at this year's Games in the team event. The Russian Olympic Committee took home gold, while Japan claimed bronze. 

Zhou, who finished third in the men's free skate portion of the team event, was unable to join his teammates on the medal podium after his positive test.

"It's definitely disappointing and very sad news," U.S. figure skater Karen Chen told reporters. "I train with Vincent. I see all the work he has been putting in, and it's really unfortunate that he wasn't able to share this moment with all of us.”

Zhou was as surprised by his positive test as he was disappointed. 

"It seems pretty unreal that of all the people it would happen to myself, and that's not just because I'm still processing this turn of events but also because I have been doing everything in my power to stay free of COVID since the start of the pandemic," he said. "I've taken all the precautions I can. I've isolated myself so much that the loneliness I felt in the last month or two has been crushing at times."

Zhou said he hopes to represent the United States at the World Championships in March and wasn't giving up on his figure skating career despite this setback.

"This is not the end," he said. "This is a setup for a bigger comeback."

The 21-year-old competed for the United States at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, finishing sixth. He was also a bronze medalist at the 2019 World Figure Skating Championships and has won three silver medals at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

He was expected to compete for a medal in the men's individual competition in this year's Games alongside teammate Nathan Chen. That will remain a dream on hold, however, after his positive COVID test.