US Olympians will have to be vaccinated to compete in the 2022 Winter Games

• The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced all athletes must be vaccinated for Beijing 2022.
• Starting November 1, unvaccinated Team USA athletes won't have access to training facilities or events.
• In December, the rule will also extend to Olympic hopefuls and delegation members.

US athletes who are trying to make the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to an announcement from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) on Tuesday.

The vaccine requirement will go into effect on November 1 and requires all athletes and employees to be fully vaccinated to access team training facilities or events hosted by the USOPC.

Any unvaccinated competitors or staff must have a religious or medical exemption to participate, the organization said.

Beginning December 1, the mandate extends to "all Team USA delegation members or hopefuls for future Games."

"The health and well-being of our Olympic and Paralympic community continues to be a top priority," USOPC said in the statement. "This step will increase our ability to create a safe and productive environment for Team USA athletes and staff, and allow us to restore consistency in planning, preparation, and optimal service to athletes."