Australia's Katie Parker forced out of giant slalom at Winter Olympics following COVID-19 test drama

Australian alpine skier Katie Parker has been forced out of the women's giant slalom at the Beijing Winter Olympics because she will not arrive in China in time for the event.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) said Parker's arrival had been delayed because she had returned «ongoing» positive COVID-19 tests.

She has since returned negative results but will not arrive in Beijing until Tuesday, a day after the women's giant slalom is held.

«Parker had previously contracted COVID in the United States prior to her planned departure for Beijing,» an AOC statement read.

«Ongoing positive tests delayed her departure until she was able to complete two negative tests at 96 and 72 hours and will be flying out to arrive Tuesday.»

Parker will still be able to contest the women's slalom on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Victorian will make her Olympic debut in Beijing.

Parker has shared her time between Australia and the United States, where she competes for the University of Utah.