OREANDA-NEWS. NHL goalkeeper Robin Lehner has refused to travel with the Swedish national team to the Beijing Olympics because of concerns about his mental health. Lehner announced this on Twitter.

"The way things will go there is not ideal for my mental health. It has taken me a long time to make this decision with my psychiatrist and family. My wellbeing comes first for me and being cooped up and not knowing what will happen if I test positive for the coronavirus is a big risk for me,"- Lehner wrote.

The athlete stressed that this decision was difficult for him and he is disappointed not to go to the Games.
Lehner in 2018 said he had previously suffered from alcohol and drug addiction and was experiencing mental health problems. The hockey player suffered a panic attack during one of the Buffal games, after which he had to undergo rehabilitation. During treatment, doctors diagnosed Lehner with bipolar disorder with manic phases.

Lehner played in 19 games this NHL season for Vegas, averaging 91% shooting. The goalie, who turned 30 in July, has been playing for the Las Vegas team since 2019 and previously played for Chicago, the New York Islanders, Buffalo and Ottawa. The goalkeeper has not previously played for Sweden's main national team.

The Olympics will be held in Beijing from February 4-20. The NHL may refuse to release its players for the Olympics until January 10.

A closed-circuit control system ("bubble") will be implemented in the Chinese capital from January 23 until the end of the Paralympics to ensure the safe conduct of the Games in a pandemic environment. This system will cover all areas related to the Games, including arrival and departure, transport, accommodation, catering, competitions, and the opening and closing ceremonies.

Participants will only be allowed to move between Games-related facilities for training, competition and work.