Injuries Rule Bruno Fratus out of Brazilian Trials, Paris Olympics

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Photo Courtesy: Becca Weyant

Injuries Rule Bruno Fratus out of Brazilian Trials, Paris Olympics

Injuries will rule Brazilian sprinter Bruno Fratus out of the nation’s Olympic trials and thus a fourth Olympic berth in Paris.

Fratus made the announcement on Tuesday, in a television interview and on social media. The bronze medalist in the 50 freestyle at the Paris Olympics turns 35 in at the end of June. He made his Olympic debut in 2012, and his body has taken the toll.

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Fratus has only trained sporadically over the last 18 months and that his body has, “asked to breathe.” He said he endured four surgeries in the last year and a half and “countless physical therapy sessions.”

Fratus reiterated that this is not a retirement message but rather “a short hiatus.”

“It’s very difficult to accept this, but there comes a time when the human being behind the athlete needs to be prioritized,” Fratus wrote. “I spoke with my family, my team, with the doctors and we made this decision together.”

Fratus has long been an international competitor. He won silver medals in the 50 free at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships as well as bronze in 2015. His storied career includes five Pan Am Games medals and gold at the 2014 Pan Pacific Championships.

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