Editorial content for the 2018 Pan Pacific Championship coverage is sponsored by TritonWear. Visit TritonWear.com for more information on our sponsor. For full Swimming World coverage, check event coverage page. <script type="text/javascript" src="https://ads.swimmingworldmagazine.com/absolutebm.aspx?b=1333"></script>
Just one month after breaking the record for the most sub-22-second 50 Freestyles, Brazilian World and Pan Pacific Championship medalist Bruno Fratus announced his withdrawal from the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo.
Fratus posted the news, explaining his journey, on his social media accounts:
Confederacao Brasileira de Desportos Aquaticos, the Brazilian Confederation for Aquatic Sports, also posted an official release on their website providing details on the shoulder, as well as Fratus’ replacement on the team’s roster. It is loosely translated to English as follows:
The athlete Bruno Fratus is out of the Pan-Pacific Championship, which will be held in August in Tokyo, Japan. The swimmer was cut from the Brazilian team because of a shoulder injury. Iago Moussalem will replace the athlete.
Bruno had inflammations in two tendons of the left shoulder. The injury was confirmed after the athlete participated in the Mare Nostrum Circuit, the Sette Colli Tournament and the Paris Open. According to the CBDA doctor, Gustavo Maglioca, Fratus had taken three to four weeks to recover and, therefore, would not recover in time for the Pan-Pacific dispute.
With Bruno cut, coach Brett Hawke will also be replaced. André Luiz Ferreira will be substituted.
At the 2014 Pan Pacific Championships in Gold Coast, Fratus earned gold and a Pan Pac Record in the 50 Freestyle and bronze in the 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay. He also has a silver and bronze medal in the sprint race from the 2017 and 2015 World Championships, respectively. He reached the final of this event at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Fratus has a history of shoulder injuries dating back to 2011, including surgery on his right one in 2013. His absence will open up the event, as he currently holds the world’s second-fastest time this year at 21.35. The swim is the fastest among Pan Pacific-competing swimmers.
Globo Sport and the CBDA contributed to this report.
