Australian authorities will allow American swimmer Michael Andrew to race this week despite his staunch stance against the Covid-19 vaccine.
Travel regulations have softened since tennis star Novak Djokovic —who has also long opposed the vaccine—was deported from Melbourne in January ahead of the Australian Open. The Courier Mail reported Andrew will be free to compete at the Duel in the Pool, a showdown between swimmers from Australia and the United States, which gets underway on Friday.
Entrants will still be required to wear masks on international flights entering Australia, but they're no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result. Andrew, 23, won 4x100-metre medley gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he was at the centre of a media storm having travelled to Japan without receiving the jab.
The Minnesota native has spoken in the past of his desire not to receive the vaccine because an adverse reaction could affect his training.
"I'm not trying to be that guy. I'm just trying to swim fast and show people the passion and purpose I have for my sport," said Andrew during an appearance on the Inside with Brett Hawke podcast. "It's unfortunate and sad that it's become almost so political.
"Obviously when you believe in something it's good to speak up but I'm not here to try and put my views on people or for people to take it so seriously. We have freedom to decide for ourselves and decide what we want, I'm just here to swim as fast as possible."
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While Andrew has clarity over his situation Down Under, Djokovic is still unclear as to whether he'll be able to compete at the U.S. Open later in August. The current travel protocols in the United States prevent foreigners from entering the country unless they've been fully vaccinated.
Djokovic, 35, said earlier this year he would rather miss future competitions rather than receive the Covid-19 vaccine. The Serb sealed his 21st Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in July and now trails all-time record major-winner Rafael Nadal by just one title.
At the very least, Djokovic can treat the change as confirmation that—provided Australia don't change protocol again—he'll be free to compete at next year's Australian Open. Andrew, meanwhile, will have his opportunity to silence any critics when he takes on Australia's best in the coming days.
