Shoulder trouble rules Litchfield out of Commonwealth Games

A strong appearance at the 2017 World Swimming Championships had seen Litchfield on the cusp of his second Games, having competed in Glasgow four years ago.

But a recent shoulder issue has proven more troublesome than initially expected, despite the 22-year-old responding well to treatment ahead of what is set to be a busy year.

Though with just over two years to go until Tokyo 2020, Litchfield has deemed himself not ready to perform at his best on the Gold Coast, electing shifting his focus on the long-term state of his body.

"I'm disappointed not to be attending the Commonwealth Games, but at the moment my focus has to be on my shoulder rehabilitation and looking ahead to Tokyo in two years' time," he said.

"I would like to thank everyone at my club and within the British Swimming and Swim England set-up who have been supporting me during this time and wish the team the best of luck on the Gold Coast."

Litchfield had been looking to improve on his strong showing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, finishing fourth in his maiden final in a personal best time in the 400m individual medley.

Sportsbeat 2018