Australia will roll out the red carpet for unvaccinated US swimmer Michael Andrew, just six months after deporting Novak Djokovic for refusing to get the Covid jab.
Andrew, 23, was one of his nation’s most controversial athletes at the Tokyo Olympics after opting to remain unvaccinated and refusing to wear a mask in the mixed zone following competition.
He won gold in the 4x100m medley relay and despite the media storm surrounding his vaccination status, Andrew has steadfastly refused to get jabbed.
And according to The Courier Mail, Andrew will be free to travel to Australia for this week’s Duel in the Pool between the US and Australia in Sydney, in a surprising move following the fiasco involving World No 1 Djokovic and the nation’s government.
The Serbian was deported from Australia after initially travelling to Melbourne for the Australian Open, having refused to get the jab. Djokovic remains unvaccinated and his inclusion in this year’s US Open is still uncertain.
However, changes to travel requirements has seen Australia’s stance relating to the Covid vaccine soften, allowing for Andrew to enter the country.
US swimmer Michael Andrew will be welcomed to Australia despite not being vaccinated
Tennis star Novak Djokovic was deported due to his vaccination status earlier this year
Neither proof of Covid vaccination, nor proof of a negative Covid test is any longer required to enter Australia after regulations were changed last month, but face masks are still required on international flights.
Andrew is one of five Tokyo Olympians set to feature for the US team, and revealed that he received death threats and ‘evil messages’ for his Covid stance, insisting he is not an ‘anti-vax nut’.
‘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,’ Andrew told former Australian swimmer Brett Hawke on his Inside with Brett Hawke podcast.
However, a change to travel requirements means Andrew is free to travel to Sydney this week
‘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.’