INTERNATIONAL: A Belgian Olympian has been released from isolation in Beijing, following an emotional plea for help about her treatment ahead of the Winter Olympics. Kim Meylemans was forced into isolation after she had tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in the Chinese capital. She thought she could leave the facility after three days of isolation and two consecutive negative tests, she said on Instagram. Meylemans' Winter Olympics journey is an example of some of the stringent measures taken by China, one of the few places continuing to adhere to a zero-COVID policy.

Meylemans had tested negative a dozen times prior to her departure for the Games and was shocked by her positive result in Beijing, she said. "I am now in a wing that is just isolation, but at least I am back in the village," Meylemans said on Instagram. "I feel safe and I'll be able to train a little better here."

Hours after her emotional plea for help, the athlete was released from the facility late Wednesday following an intervention from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

They won't be allowed to return to the bubble until all symptoms disappear and they test negative twice in a row. With the Opening Ceremony on tonight, some athletes who tested positive have already given up hope of competing.

They are among more than 280 Covid-19 cases - 102 of which are athletes and team officials - that have been identified in Beijing's "closed loop system" according to the Beijing Olympic Committee.