Vegas Golden Nights goaltender Robin Lehner has pulled out of Sweden’s ice hockey crew forward of February’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, saying that issues over a Covid lockdown are “not best” for his psychological well being.
Longtime NHL stalwart Lehner, 30, introduced his determination to skip the occasion on Twitter, one thing he says was a troublesome determination and that he was passing up a “as soon as in a lifetime alternative” however admitted that his issues and uncertainties about China’s strict Covid-19 protocols had been weighing closely on his thoughts.
China is presently working below a so-called ‘Zero Covid’ coverage and has instituted complete security pointers forward of the Video games. Occasions will happen with out international spectators, whereas athletes might be required to remain inside a ‘closed loop’ and might be topic to necessary every day testing for Covid-19.
Unvaccinated athletes might be required to enter a interval of self-isolation for 21 days after their arrival within the nation.
Nice efficiency tonight from our crew. Have to deal with I can’t go to the olympics. I’m very disenchanted and it powerful determination for me because it’s as soon as in life time alternative. Actuality is that what have been mentioned about the way it’s going to be shouldn’t be best for my psychological well being.
— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) December 6, 2021
Took very long time to make determination with my psychiatrist and household. My properly being have too come first and being locked down and never figuring out what occurs in the event you take a look at constructive is to a lot of a danger for me. Sweden can have a fantastic crew and Markström is a beast.Hope folks perceive ❤️
— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) December 6, 2021
Amid issues as to what may occur if he checks constructive whereas in Beijing, Lehner says that he was little with little alternative however to withdraw from choice.
“Have to deal with I can’t go to the Olympics,” he wrote on Twitter. “I’m very disenchanted and it’s a powerful determination for me because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity.
“The truth is that what has been mentioned about the way it’s going to be shouldn’t be best for my psychological well being.
“I took a very long time to make determination with my psychiatrist and household. My wellbeing has to come back first and being locked down and never figuring out what occurs in the event you take a look at constructive is an excessive amount of of a danger for me.
“Sweden can have a fantastic crew and Markstrom is a beast. Hope folks perceive.”
Actually respect @RobinLehner for not solely talking out about issues within the NHL he has seen which might be fallacious but in addition concerning the significance of psychological well being & breaking that stigma, persevering with to take action and to additionally do what’s greatest for HIM & his household & not giving into the tradition.
— Sarah Couture (@MrsCouture217) December 6, 2021
As soon as in a lifetime alternatives aren't definitely worth the largest image in your life… your well being. It's implausible to have the ability to acknowledge that.
Finest needs, Robin.
— ɱΔ₸₸ Skilled Contrarian, or not (@unflinching) December 6, 2021
Lehner is a widely known psychological advocate of psychological well being and has been open about his earlier struggles with bipolar dysfunction.
He had been anticipated to compete for a spot within the Swedish aspect with compatriot Jacob Markstrom after the retirement of earlier starter, two-time Olympic medallist Henrik Lundqvist.
Sweden have twice received gold in 1994 and 2006 and had been eradicated on the quarter last stage in Pyeongchang in 2018.
Lehner has been one of many NHL’s main voices on psychological well being welfare, criticizing the playoff ‘bubble’ that the league created in 2020.
He was additionally important of the league’s restrictions on vaccinated gamers final season, saying that psychological well being wanted to be made “necessary as properly on this scenario.”