Yannick Agnel Withdraws From World Short Course Championships
Photo Courtesy: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
DOHA – The FINA World Short Course Championships just lost some star power as France’s Yannick Agnel has elected to withdraw from the meet in Doha, Qatar set for next week.
Agnel, who had a subpar French Short Course Championship meet, told L’Equipe that he just wasn’t ready physically or technically, and has missed too much training to be able to compete in Doha.
Agnel hasn’t had the smoothest of years in 2014 as the Olympic gold medalist changed training camps from France to North Baltimore with Bob Bowman in the United States and back again to France.
Agnel failed to win an open title at French nationals this past week in Montpellier, and came up short in a few other events. He was the top French finisher in the 200 IM, as Luxembourg’s Raphael Stacchiotti won the event.
Agnel now says is it necessary to rest up before he focuses back on the work of being a world-class swimmer.
Yannick agnel won the 200 IM at the French championship last week
Depends on how you look at it. He lost the Open 200 IM to Luxembourg’s Raphael Stacchiotti, but was the top French swimmer in the event. I’ve clarified in the article.