Sprint freestyler and individual medley swimmer Kenneth To will not compete in the 2014 Hancock Prospecting Pan Pacific Championships due to injury.
The 22-year-old from Sydney battled through a tough Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he won a gold medal as a heat swimmer in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, but following advice from medical staff will sit out the upcoming Pan Pacs.
To expressed disappointment in not being able to compete in front of a home crowd but looks forward to returning next year to attempt qualification for the 2015 FINA World Championships next year.
“I’m disappointed I won’t be racing at Pan Pacs or the rest of the Short Course season due to surgery but I understand the decision is based with a long-term view in mind. After my recovery I’m looking forward to bigger and better things ahead in my career,” To said.
Swimming Australia Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren said To would be missed on the team but reiterated the importance of looking after the long term health of the swimmers.
“We are disappointed to not have Kenneth on the team, but have no doubt he will be back on track next year.”
“Keeping our athletes healthy leading into the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 and beyond is of paramount importance, and this break is unfortunate but important,” Verhaeren said.
The remaining 40 swimmers on the Australian Swim Team will enter team camp on the Gold Coast this Sunday to prepare for the pool competition from Thursday August 21 through to Sunday August 24 at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and then the open water competition on August 25 at Southport Marine Stadium.
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