Damian Warner, the Canadian decathlete who secured an Olympic gold medal in 2021, has made the tough decision to pull out of the upcoming world championship event in Tokyo due to an Achilles injury. Despite not tearing the tendon, an MRI scan revealed swelling and fluid, prompting Warner to announce his withdrawal in an Instagram post.
Expressing his devastation, Warner mentioned his excitement and preparation leading up to the competition, where he aimed to represent Canada on the global stage once again. Having clinched two silver medals in previous world championships, Warner, 35, was eager to compete at Japan’s National Stadium, the same venue where he set an Olympic record four years ago to claim decathlon gold.
This setback marks another disappointment for Warner, following his exit from last year’s Paris Olympics due to a failed pole vault attempt. Despite these challenges, Warner remains focused on improvement, emphasizing the importance of learning from setbacks in track and field.
While Warner will not be part of the competition, his compatriot, Pierce LePage, the reigning decathlon champion, is geared up to participate in the two-day event. LePage, who triumphed at the 2023 world championships, has faced injury setbacks but is set to showcase his skills at the upcoming championship in Tokyo.
The decathlon event is set to conclude on Sunday evening at Japan’s National Stadium, where athletes from around the world will vie for victory in the prestigious competition.