World Championships: Jared Tallent ruled out of walk with injury

Australia’s most reliable medal winner has been forced out the world championships in London with a hamstring strain.

Champion walker Jared Tallent is out of the World Championships. Picture: Getty

Australia’s most reliable medal winner, race walker Jared Tallent, has been forced out the world championships in London with a hamstring strain.

Tallent, 32, sustained the injury while training at high altitude in St Moritz and announced that he would not be fit to contest the gruelling 50km walk that has become his specialty.

“2017 has been a remarkable year for me,’’ he said.

“On the one hand, my wife and I excitingly welcomed our son, Harvey, to the world and we could not be happier.

“On the other I have been challenged in my race walking, with recurring injuries and now a hamstring complaint that will prevent me from being able to start.

“The decision to withdraw is never easy, but the good news is that I will have the chance to cheer on my wife, Claire, as she returns to international competition in the women’s 20km race. It will be a privilege to support her in the way she has supported me so many times before.’’

The Tallents, with baby Harvey, are due to arrive in London tomorrow.

Tallent’s injury is a big blow to the medal chances of the Australian team. The Adelaide athlete has won a medal at each of the last six major championships, including four Olympic medals and three world championships medals, highlighted by his Olympic gold medal in London in 2012.

In his absence medal hopes will rest with fellow Olympic walk medallist Dane Bird-Smith, 2012 Olympic 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson and former world discus champion Dani Stevens, who will all compete in London this weekend.

But Tallent vowed to be back to his medal-winning best for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast next April.

“My attention also turns to recovering from what has been a difficult few months of race walking, with my sights set on challenging myself once again,’’ he said.

“I am not done yet when it comes to contesting for gold medals. The Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, the 2018 IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships and, of course, Tokyo 2020 remain on my agenda.’’

“It just wasn’t meant to be this year.”