Editorial content for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games coverage is sponsored by GMX7.
See full event coverage. Follow GMX7 on Instagram at @GMX7training #gmx7
The thin field in the women’s 400 individual medley at the Tokyo Olympics just got thinner, with Sydney Pickrem withdrawing from the event Saturday afternoon.
Pickrem pulled out of the event with what Swimming Canada in a statement termed “medical reasons not related to COVID-19.” She is still slated to swim the 200 individual medley and 200 breaststroke for Canada. She entered the meet seeded fifth among 18 swimmers in the 400 IM,
From Swimming Canada:
“Sydney Pickrem is withdrawing from the 400m individual medley due to medical reasons not related to COVID-19. We have made this decision in consultation with Sydney, our national team medical staff and her coach Ben Titley at the High Performance Centre – Ontario to protect her performances for the rest of the Olympic Games. With a very busy program that also consists of two other individual events which would have heats, semifinals and finals, and may also include relays, this decision is in the best interest of the athlete at this time. Our focus turns to supporting Sydney in her preparation for the 200m individual medley in two days’ time.”
The 400 IM was the second women’s event to be swum on Saturday, the first day of the Tokyo Olympics. Pickrem has until Monday to recuperate for the 200 IM.
