Who is Amber Hill? Why Team GB Olympics medal hopeful shooter has pulled out of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Shooter Amber Hill has withdrawn from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after testing positive for Covid.

Hill, 23, was due to compete in the Women’s Olympic Skeet competition, in which she was a finalist in Rio 2016.

But Hill, who is currently number one in the world in her discipline, tested positive for coronavirus in the UK prior to her departure.

Here’s all you need to know about Amber Hill, her reaction to testing positive and the thoughts of Team GB officials after the news.

Who is Amber Hill?

An English sports shooter who specialises in skeet, Hill has won three gold medals in major international competitions.

Gold came in the 2015 European Games in Baku, the 2017 Commonwealth Championships in Brisbane and the 2021 World Cup in New Delhi.

She has also won silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast and two bronze medals have followed at the 2019 and 2021 European Championships.

Berkshire born Hill began shooting from the age of 10 and got into the sport through her grandfather.

After winning a host of local competitions, Hill received national selection for England's senior women's team at the age of 12.

Three years later, at the age of 15, Hill made history when she became the youngest ever winner at the World Cup in skeet shooting.

She finished that season as the top ranked senior for Great Britain and ranked fifth in the world - enough to be named the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year.

As well as her many medals, Hill also competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

What did Amber Hill say after testing positive for Covid?

Hill said: "There are no words to describe how I’m feeling right now.

"After five years of training and preparation, I’m absolutely devastated to say that last night I received a positive Covid-19 test, meaning I’ve had to withdraw from Team GB’s shooting team.

"Although I don’t have any symptoms, I will now isolate as per the Government guidance.

"I would like to wish the best of luck to all of Team GB who are out in Tokyo, especially the shooting team who have supported me massively throughout my career.

"I will be back from this, but right now I need some time to reflect and take in what has happened."

What has been the reaction from Team GB officials?

Team GB Chef de Mission, Mark England, said: “My heart goes out to Amber, and we’re just sad for her that she is unable to join us in Tokyo. She is an incredibly gifted athlete and we dearly hope to see her again at a future Olympic Games.”

Shooting Team Leader, Steven Seligmann, said: “This is an incredibly sad situation for Amber after she’s worked so hard to earn her Olympic place for Team GB.

“Our focus is to now make sure Amber is kept safe and well, both physically and mentally, and we have the support in place to help her through this difficult period.”

No replacement athlete will be selected in Amber’s place.