Aussie curler Tahli Gill COVID-positive, ending winless mixed doubles campaign in Beijing

Australian curler Tahli Gill has tested positive to COVID-19, ending her and partner Dean Hewitt’s chances of a history-making match victory at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Gill has been placed into isolation on Sunday ahead of her return to Australia.

Watch video above to see Aussie curlers’ heartbreaking COVID diagnosis

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She and Hewitt had been winless after seven matches in Australia’s first ever Olympic curling campaign and would have been vying for a victory against Switzerland and Canada in their final two round-robin matches.

Gill tested positive on her arrival in Beijing last week, but was able to compete after twice subsequently testing negative.

The Australians were the only mixed doubles team without a win, but had suffered four one-point losses.

On Saturday, they were defeated 7-3 by an Italy after being in the hunt against the undefeated pair in the early rounds.

Earlier in the day, they suffered a heavy loss to Norway.

Australia’s assistant coach Pete Manasantivongs said on Saturday the pair hadn’t given up on securing their first Olympic win.

“We’ve had to build our resilience over the course of the competition, I’m very proud of them,” he said.

“We’re going to get a lucky break.”

Australia’s Chef de Mission Geoff Lipshut expressed his disappointment over the pair’s withdrawal from the competition.

“Tahli and Dean have made Australian Winter Olympic history. It’s very disappointing, but we are realistic about the rules and we have always accepted those rules,” he said.

“Other countries have faced significant impacts. Our focus has always been to keep our athletes in the competition.”

He also revealed Australian officials