- Phillips Idowu has pulled out of the World Indoor Championships – Photo: Dave Sandford
World triple jump champion Phillips Idowu announced this week he is to withdraw from the World Indoor Championships in Doha.
Hackney-born Idowu, one of Great Britain’s best hopes for a medal, revealed he would not be defending his World Indoor crown in Qatar because the birth of his second child has severely disrupted his training.
He said: “I am gutted not to be representing Great Britain in Doha and passing up the opportunity to defend my title.
“However, the late arrival of my baby boy has meant that my training has been severely disrupted and I decided, after talking with my coach, that I’d not had the preparation we agreed was needed to do the British team proud.
“I was hoping to avoid this by competing in a larger than usual number of events early in the season, but it hasn’t worked out that way.
“Instead I will increase the training with a focus on the European Championships in Barcelona.
“I wish the team the best of luck in Doha.”
Charles van Commenee, UK Athletics’ head coach, said: “I am disappointed that Phillips is not competing this week as he was a clear medal prospect for us. However, I need to respect his decision and I look forward to him resuming winning ways in Barcelona in the summer.”
Bad news, but congrats on the baby!!