Murofushi out of Worlds

ByReuters

Published 01/08/2005 at 11:23 GMT

Japan's Olympic hammer champion Koji Murofushi has pulled out of this week's world championships in Helsinki, Kyodo news reported on Monday. The 30 year-old had been suffering from a back injury for some time but was expected to recover in time for Helsin

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Murofushi, awarded Olympic gold in Athens last year after Hungary's Adrian Annus was disqualified on doping charges, has had back problems this season and missed IAAF Grand Prix competitions in Osaka in May and Prague in June.

The 30-year-old had been due to make his sixth appearance at the world championships after he won the silver medal in 2001 in Edmonton, Canada and bronze two years ago in Paris.

"I have been trying to peak for the world championships but it was not to be," Murofushi told reporters. "It's a blow but it is important to come back stronger and fully fit for next time."

Helsinki 2005