Jared Tallent withdraws

The Rio Olympic silver medallist, Jared Tallent (SA), has today withdrawn from the men’s 50km walk at the 2017 IAAF World Championships, due to a hamstring injury.

Tallent is a three-time medallist at the world titles, and offered the following comments:

“2017 has been a remarkable year for me. On the one hand, my wife and I excitingly welcomed our son, Harvey, to the world and we could not be happier. On the other I have been challenged in my race walking, with recurring injuries and now a hamstring complaint that will prevent me from being able to start,” Tallent said.

“The decision to withdraw is never easy, but the good news is, that I will have the chance to cheer on my wife, Claire, as she returns to international competition in the women’s 20km race. It will be a privilege to support her in the way she has supported me so many times before. 

“My attention also turns to recovering from what has been a difficult few months of race walking, with my sights set on challenging myself once again. I am not done yet when it comes to contesting for gold medals. The Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, the 2018 IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships and, of course, Tokyo 2020 remain on my agenda.

“I have been well supported at home in doing my best to prepare for London, my new coach, Adam Didyk, has been great and the team at SASI and Athletics Australia have worked very hard to ensure the best possible daily training environment. It just wasn’t meant to be this year.”

Tallent will arrive in London (GBR) with his wife, Claire, on Thursday 10 August.