Australia’s triple Olympic gold medallist Jodie Henry announced on Friday that injury will prevent her from competing at the 2008 Beijing Games but it won’t end her swimming career.
The former 100m freestyle world record holder officially withdrew from next month’s Olympic selection trial in Sydney, after succumbing to a pelvic complaint that has hampered her preparations.
“It has been a very hard decision to make as the Olympics is every swimmer’s goal and I would have loved to be able to go to Beijing and try and defend my (100m freestyle) title and to help the girls win another relay,” the Australian Associated Press quoted Henry as saying in Brisbane in east Australia.
“I have been struggling with an injury which has meant that I haven’t been able to train as much as I would have liked, and as much as I have needed to, to be ready for the Olympic trials.
“Whilst missing the Olympic team is a huge disappointment for me, I am pleased because now that my injury has been finally diagnosed I can start the road to recovery,” she said.
Swimmers must compete at the cut-throat selection meet in order to qualify for the Australian Olympic swim team and Henry said her injury meant she would not be sufficiently prepared.
Henry made clear her intentions to return to the pool as soon as possible.
“I am happy to say that I am definitely not retiring as there is no way that I want my swimming career to end like this,” Henry said.
Henry’s absence will be a major blow to Australia’s defense of the women’s 4x100m relay title in China.
from: chinadaily.com.cnÂ
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