Samtidigt som antalet nya covid-19-fall ökat dramatiskt i många länder har närmare 3 000 idrottare sin kanske största tävling i karriären framför sig.
Den närmaste tiden ska de – samt tusentals ledare, journalister och andra människor med OS-anknytning – resa till Peking.
Trots regelbundna tester, strikta restriktioner och daglig hälsorapportering inför avresan innebär det en viss oro, konstaterar exempelvis Sara Hector, ett av de svenska medaljhoppen.
- It is difficult.
We have tried to implement good routines in the team and hope that it works.
But it is very easy to get infected and we will have to stay at airports and so on, says the alpine star.
"There has been a fear"
Stina Nilsson believes that it is becoming more and more nervous.
- Now we have really done everything in our power to stay negative and we do tests regularly.
But you notice that the closer we get to Beijing, the more nervous I have at least, she says.
The fear of being infected is also repeated in the humpback piste team, which before the departure had been gathered in Åre.
- There has definitely been a fear, especially now before departure.
I feel that.
There is a lot at stake, says Ludwig Fjällström.
- The trip there will be a worry because you need to mix with people.
If you manage it and are in place, I think it will not be as difficult.
It's probably safer there than here.
Due to the contagious situation, the Swedish curling teams chose to skip publishers this time and have stayed at home in Karlstad until their departure.
"Worrying situation"
Several Swedish Olympic athletes, including in the alpine and cross-country national team, have been infected during the winter.
One of the latest examples is the length talent Leo Johansson.
As for Johansson, the infection came at the "right time".
He can probably still follow when the national ski team flies to Beijing on Thursday.
Recently, the limit values for what should be considered a positive case on arrival in Beijing were also changed, which should make it especially easier for athletes who have tested positive at an earlier stage.
Men att bli smittad så här sent inpå OS skulle ändå bli förödande, konstaterar skidskytten Sebastian Samuelsson.
– Skulle man testa positivt nu eller den närmaste tiden, är OS förstört. Det är klart det är en oroande situation, säger han.
SE MER: Frida Karlsson: ”Tror OS-byn är jordens säkraste plats” (18 januari 2022)
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Frida Karlsson: ”Tror OS-byn är jordens säkraste plats” Foto: Bildbyrån