Track superstar Mo Farah has been ruled out of the Commonwealth Games in a huge blow to his England team and the Glasgow track programme.
Farah, the Olympic and world champion in both the 5000m and 10,000m, was scheduled to attempt that double again.
But the 31-year-old has been recovering from recent illness and he withdrew on Thursday to focus on achieving full fitness for next month's European Championships.
Farah said: "I have taken the tough decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games. The sickness I had two weeks ago was a big setback for me."
The Londoner, who was set to be one of the biggest stars in Glasgow, pulled out of his last two races - the Glasgow Grand Prix meet and last Sunday's Anniversary Games in London - after being admitted to hospital in the United States with abdominal pains.
He has been training hard at his altitude base in Font Romeu in a bid to be fit for the Games, but they have come too soon.
The 5000m final takes place on the first evening of the athletics programme on Sunday.
Farah added: "Training is getting better here in Font Romeu but I need another few weeks to get back to the level I was at in 2012 and 2013.
"I really wanted to add the Commonwealth titles to my Olympic and world championships but the event is coming a few weeks too soon for me as my body is telling me it's not ready to race yet.
"Best wishes to my fellow athletes in Glasgow."
Share
