Kenyan long distance runner Geoffrey Kamworor has pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics with an ankle injury.
Kamworor, who was one of Kenya’s medal hopefuls in Tokyo confirmed the news on Thursday evening leaving the entire Team Kenya in limbo.
The New York marathon champion won the national trials last month in Nairobi, posting a time of 27 minutes1.06 seconds to secure qualification for the Olympics.
The 28-year-old was last year hit by a motorcycle while training thereby sustaining an ankle injury.
His manager Valentijn Trouw has expressed his disappointment but backed his athlete to come back stronger from the setback.
"His training was balanced and controlled. These are obstacles which can come on your way when you come back from a tough injury earlier on. It's only now extremely bad timing.
"Whenever Geoffrey had challenges in his career, he always came out stronger. I'm convinced it will be the same this time," Trouw told BBC.
Kamworor won the national trials at Kasarani in 27:01:06, the fastest time ever posted in Kenya, to finish ahead of Rogers Kwemoi (27:05:51) and Weldon Kipkirui (27:28:00).