21 April 2008

UK Athletics have confirmed that Mark Lewis-Francis (Birchfield Harriers) has sustained an injury to his Achilles tendon whilst training abroad with his coach, preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games.

Performance Director Dave Collins said:

“Mark Lewis-Francis has been receiving treatment from UKA medical staff at the training camp for a sore achilles that has worsened with the increased intensity of training that occurs at this time of year.

“Unfortunately, the soreness of the achilles has increased and has not responded to treatment in Cyprus and Mark had to return home last week, a week earlier than scheduled, to seek a more detailed assessment of the problem.

“A scan has shown a partial tear to the tendon that requires surgical intervention at the earliest opportunity so as to prevent any further damage.

“On the positive side, it is good that the injury has been caught now before a full tear occurs, this would have been potentially career threatening. Mark has been working exceptionally hard in training and I am sure with that commitment, successful intervention and an intensive rehab programme he will make a successful recovery. We wish him all the best.”

Lewis-Francis had been warm weather training with Tony Lester and his group including Marlon Devonish, Tim Benjamin and Nicola Sanders.