10th July 2008

Benjamin Ruled Out Of Olympics

 

 

 

10 July 2008

 

 

Tim Benjamin, Athens Olympic relay finallist, has decided not to make himself available for selection for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 

This difficult decision follows a pre-season plagued by illness, including sinus surgery. As a result of this, Tim has had two very disruptive warm weather training camps this year in South Africa and Cyprus respectively where he was unable to do the necessary quality training required to compete at the highest level.

 

Tim has been consulting the UK Athletics medical team and other specialists over time and after many tests it was decided to terminate the current season before his health was compromised.

 

The low-grade chronic sinusitis has made it impossible for him to train at the levels required for an Olympic athlete. A period of rest from exercise will allow his body time to recover completely without the pressures of regular strenuous training sessions and competition which will further compromise his immune system.

 

This decision been extremely difficult for Tim. But, working closely with the performance team at UK Athletics, he hopes to make a full recovery in time to be ready for the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin.

 

UK Athletics Performance Director Dave Collins said: "This is a very sensible decision for Tim to have made. He is an ambitious lad who wants to achieve at the highest level and is not happy just to settle for second best.

 

"The important thing now is for him to fully recuperate and get back to full health to enable him to have a good winter’s training and to come back stronger for 2009. Our team of specialists will be working closely with Tim to help ensure he fulfills these aims."