Objectives: The actual frequency and the risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection is
still a matter of intense scientific discussion. In this case series, we report three
elite athletes who underwent COVID-19 reinfection with a short time frame. Case presentations:
As a part of contact tracing, three speed skaters (22-, 24-, and 29-year-old males)
were found to be SARS-CoV-2 positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Later
on, only one of the athletes experienced mild symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of smell
and taste and subfebrility, while the other two athletes were asymptomatic. Following
the quarantine period, detailed return-to-play examinations, including laboratory
testing, ECG, 24-h Holter monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic
resonance imaging, revealed no apparent abnormality; therefore, the athletes restarted
training. After a median of 74 days, all three athletes presented with typical symptoms
of COVID-19, such as fever, marked fatigue and headache. SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests were
performed again, showing recurrent positivity. Repeated return-to-play assessments
were initiated, finding no relevant abnormality. Athletes were also tested for SARS-CoV-2
anti-nucleoprotein antibody titers, showing only modest increases following the second
infection. Conclusions: We report a small cluster of elite athletes who underwent
a PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. According to these findings, athletes may be
considered as a high-risk group in terms of recurrent COVID-19.
