U.S. figure skater Vincent Zhou tests positive for COVID-19 at Beijing Winter Olympics – USA TODAY

BEIJING — A prominent U.S. figure skater has tested positive for COVID-19, and at the worst possible time.

U.S. Figure Skating announced Monday that Vincent Zhou, who is scheduled to skate the short program Tuesday, tested positive on Sunday. It is now unclear whether he will be able to compete.

“Under the guidance of the USOPC medical staff, Zhou is undergoing additional testing to confirm his status,” the national governing body said in a statement. “If the results are negative, Zhou will be able to compete in the men’s short program, which begins Tuesday. At this time, we ask you respect his privacy as we await the results.”

The news of the positive test comes at a devastating time for Zhou, who skated the long program for Team USA in the team competition on Sunday morning. The Americans secured the silver medal Monday. 

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With the draw already having been completed, it is unlikely that the U.S. would be able to have an alternate skate in Zhou’s place. Nathan Chen and Jason Brown are the other American men in the field.