Madrid, July 26 (IANS) Top Spanish swimmer Mireia Belmonte confirmed on Sunday that she will not compete in the World Championships currently being held in Kazan, Russia.
The woman who won two medals in 2012 London and three in the Barcelona World Championships two years ago, has been hampered by a shoulder injury this year, reports Xinhua.
Belmonte, who also holds five short course world records, had hinted earlier that she was doubtful over her participation and those doubts were confirmed when she wrote on Twitter that "Finally, I will not go to the Kazan World Championships. I have tried until the final moment, but the injury won't let be 100".
Belmonte had said that her health was more important than competing in Kazan and added that she would not dedicate herself to "recovering my shoulders completely and to start working with Rio 2016 in mind".
She ended with a message of thanks to her supporters and by wishing good luck to the Spanish team: "With the work they have done, I am certain they will get some great results."