Increased number of symptoms during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes is associated with prolonged time to return to full sports performance—AWARE VIII

•Total number of acute symptoms is the most significant factor associated with prolonged return to full performance after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in athletes.•Number of systemic symptoms is also strongly associated with prolonged return to full performance.•Females, endurance athletes, and those with a history of co-morbidities also experienced a prolonged return to full performance.