PARIS, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- France's athletics hero Kevin Mayer will not compete in the decathlon in his home Olympic Games due to injury, the French National Olympic Committee announced on Thursday.
The world record holder failed to recover from a hamstring injury that he suffered in early July.
"I had some tests this morning and, to be clear, I could run 20 meters at around 80 to 85 percent. I felt a sting that was electric. It wasn't huge, but I was far from able to run a 100m at full fitness," he explained.
"I spent about three hours hesitating. I wanted to do it, but I knew there was no chance. I met with my team and everyone spoke about where we stood. The conclusion was that I had tried everything," he said with huge regret of not being able to perform at the Stade de France.
Mayer added, "It's incredible to get goosebumps because of the crowd at the Stade de France, but I wanted to perform well and give the crowd goosebumps, not the other way around," Mayer said. "As I was not fit enough to give my best, there is no reason for me to go to the stadium." ■
