Ukrainian tennis player Anhelina Kalinina has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics due to a cold she caught after being exposed to rainy weather during the opening ceremony. The Ukrainian Olympic committee announced the news, stating that Kalinina had been waiting for a long time on the courts for her competition to begin on Friday. The weather conditions were unfavorable, with heavy rain falling throughout the opening ceremony and continuing into Saturday.
Kalinina expressed her disappointment, stating that she was “very upset” as participating in the Olympics was a “big dream and honor” for her. She highlighted the significance of representing her country, especially during such challenging times. However, she ultimately made the decision to prioritize her health and avoid potential complications.
While standing in rain and cold alone doesn’t directly cause illness, prolonged exposure can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of falling sick. The Paris Games were set to be Kalinina’s Olympic debut, adding to her disappointment.
The rain also impacted other events at the Games. Tennis competitions scheduled for Saturday were postponed due to the wet conditions, and skateboarding events were also delayed. A total of 37 out of 47 matches scheduled for Saturday were postponed as a result of the rain.
