Injury derails Tallent’s bid for seventh World Championship start

The 32-year-old South Australian was all set to participate in his historic seventh world championships dating back to 2005. However, the Rio Olympics silver medallist, who has four Olympic medals overall, including gold in 2012, will arrive in London from an altitude training camp with his wife, Claire, on Thursday 10 August.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Claire Tallent, who recently gave birth to son Harvey only months ago, will join Olympic top-10 finisher Regan Lamble (VIC) and fellow new mother Beki Smith (NSW) in the women’s 20km walk on the 10th and final day (13 August).

“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,” said Tallent. “It will be a privilege to support her in the way she has supported me so many times before.”

As for what’s next for the injured Tallent, his attention now turns to recovery and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“2017 has been a remarkable year for me. On the one hand, my wife and I excitingly welcomed our son, Harvey, to the world and we could not be happier,” he explained. “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.

“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,” the 2015 Beijing world champs silver medallist continued. “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.”