Ahead of the 19th edition of the World Athletics Championships, American track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has announced that she will not be competing at the event, which kicks off in a week’s time, due to a “minor” knee injury.
The 24-year-old, who is the reigning Olympic and world champion in the women’s 400m hurdles and also holds the world record in the event, revealed the news on her official social media account on Friday, August 11.
The post read: “I am sad to share that I must withdraw from this year’s World Championships meet in Budapest.”
“After consulting with my doctors and coaches, I need to take care of a minor knee issue so that I can be fully healthy for next year’s Paris Olympics. I look forward to seeing everyone back on the track soon.”
McLaughlin-Levrone has been focusing on the 400m flat event, which many have tipped her as a major contender for the gold medal at the world championships after she ran a world-leading time at the U.S. Championships back in July.
She previously withdrew from her last pre-worlds meet three weeks ago due to a recurring knee issue, but it has yet to be confirmed if it is the same one keeping her out of the championships.
The World Athletics Championships are set to begin on Saturday, August 19, in Budapest, Hungary, with some of the best athletes in the world set to be on display.
YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE ACTIONS IN THE WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS FROM AUGUST 19 LIVE ON AFROSPORT TV ON FREE TV CHANNEL 730 OR STREAM ON VIDIVU.
