The 2013 World champion in the women’s 800m, Eunice Jepkoech Sum, has dropped out of the ongoing 2017 IAAF World Championships in London.
A dejected and disappointed Sum says it is heartbreaking to be in London and not to compete at all.
“It is very sad and disappointing for turn of this events. I’m heartbroken by the fact that I will not compete in the 800m race which I was very much looking forward to. I have prepared well for this moment for the whole season,” Sum said at the Team Kenya hotel in London.
The 29 year old was to start in heat 5 tonight but has been forced to withdraw due to illness. Sum fell sick on Wednesday. She says it is difficult for her.
“When you have trained all through and worked hard to qualify for the world championships, it is certainly difficult to accept such a situation.”
The Commonwealth champion as well as a bronze medalist at the distant says she was in great shape ahead of the world championships.. Sum finished second at the Kenyan trials posting 2:00.03 behind Olympic bronze medalist Margaret Wambui.
“My target was to lower my personal best in this competition,” said Sum adding “There is nothing much I can do at the moment because it is out of my control. I hope to be back soon much stronger ad healthier.” Her personal best in 800 is 1:56.99. Her season’s best is 1:57.78.
Sum’s withdrawal leaves Kenya with two entrants in the two-lap event – Margaret Nyairera Wambui and Emily Cherotich. Sum wishes them well.
“To the rest of the ladies in the race, I wish you all the best as you represent Kenya. I want to thank my management and Athletics Kenya medical staff for the assistance they have given me during this difficult time,” concluded Sum.
Meet The Authors
Michelle is a qualified all rounder journalist from the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, Radio and online with BBC College of Journalism and BBC World Service and Radio, Online and TV training with Radio Netherlands Training Centre in Holland. Currently working as a sports producer with a focus on Athletics.
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