Whiplash rules Rutherford out of British Champs
BySportsbeat
Published 23/06/2016 at 13:49 GMT
Greg Rutherford said he will not risk injury and his chances of defending his Olympic long jump title to compete at this weekend's British Championships.
Rutherford in action
Image credit: Reuters
The world, European and Commonwealth gold medallist last competed on June 5 at the Birmingham Diamond League meeting, where he suffered whiplash.
Rather than risk further injury Rutherford has taken the decision to pull out of this weekend's event, which double as the British Olympic trials.
Qualification for Rio is secured by athletes who have already achieved qualifying marks and finish in the top two this weekend.
Despite pulling out of the competition, the reigning Olympic champion is certain to be given the chance of defending his title, should he prove his fitness.
"I'm disappointed not to be competing, but defending the Olympic title is my main focus for 2016," said Rutherford.
"In consultation with British Athletics, we have decided not to take any risks, finish my training camp here in Arizona and focus on making sure I am in the best position possible to compete at the European Championships and win gold in Rio.
The European Championships begin in Amsterdam on July 6 and British Athletics performance director Neil Black is confident that Rutherford has made the right decision.
"We have seen time and time again that he knows what to do to allow him to go into a championships in the best shape possible, so we are fully supportive of this decision aimed towards retaining gold in Rio," he said.
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