This archive report was first published on 28 June 2021.
Germany's Olympic hopes in the men's javelin event have taken a hit with the withdrawal of defending champion Thomas Roehler, who has been forced to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics due to a back injury.
Roehler, 29, confirmed the news on Monday, stating that he had carefully weighed his options with his coach but ultimately decided that his health must take priority.
"It was incredibly difficult for me to turn down Tokyo," Roehler said. "Together with my coach I have weighed things up carefully, but in the end my health has priority."
The reigning European champion had been training hard, but unfortunately, suffered a back injury that has left him with no choice but to withdraw from the Games.
Roehler's withdrawal is a significant blow to Germany's chances in the event, but the country still has a strong contender in the shape of 2017 world javelin champion Johannes Vetter.
The Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, are set to start on July 23 and run until August 8.
