France's world decathlon record holder Kevin Mayer is in a race against time to be fit for his home Paris Olympics after sustaining a serious leg injury. Mayer, 32, suffered a significant hamstring tear during the hurdle leg of a triathlon at Sunday's Diamond League meeting in the French capital, confirmed by an MRI scan on Monday.
Mayer, one of France's top medal hopes for the Games, fell to the ground after the eighth flight in the 110m hurdles and remained on the track with his head in his hands. He received medical attention before being helped off.
Mayer's team stated, "Everything will be tried so he will be at the start of the Olympic decathlon on August 2. Up to then, regular tests will be conducted to determine if it's feasible or not to pursue his Olympic dream."
Mayer holds the world decathlon record with 9,126 points and is a two-time world champion (2017, 2022) and twice an Olympic silver medallist. His participation in the Paris Olympics remains uncertain as he undergoes recovery and assessment.
Comment: