/world sport
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Nathan Deakes of Australia, the 50-kilometer walk world champion, has withdrawn from the Beijing Olympics because of a hamstring injury.
It is the second Olympic gold medal chance lost to the Australian track and field team in the past two weeks following the withdrawal of two-time 400-meter hurdles world champion Jana Rawlinson because of complications from a toe injury.
Deakes, 30, aggravated his troublesome hamstring last week at his training camp at the Swiss resort of St. Moritz, a team official said Monday. A subsequent MRI scan revealed a hamstring tear that would require surgery, forcing him out of the Games.
"I'm still in a bit of shock," said Deakes, who is expected to be out of competition for between six and nine months. "I'm sure it will sink in in the middle of August when I'm watching the Games."
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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