Bruno Fratus, a swimmer from Brazil who won a freestyle bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, withdrew from the Paris Games due to an extensive injury battle.
When he placed third in the 50-meter freestyle event in Tokyo, which was won by American Caeleb Dressel, he became the oldest swimmer to win an Olympic medal at the age of 32.
As an Olympic veteran having competed in a total of three games, the veteran swimmer announced that he will be withdrawing from the upcoming Olympic trials due to his inability to fully be committed in competing for Paris 2924, following four operations due to injuries in the previous 18 months.
Fratus – Three Olympics is Enough
Fratus stated: “After three Olympics, it wouldn’t make sense to go to Paris, wear the Brazilian uniform, without the full conviction that I’m in a position to fight for the race.”
“Even though it hurts me – a lot – not to be able to be there, I will be here cheering as always for everyone who will be there competing and representing our country,” he added.
Fratus then clarified that not competing in the Paris Olympics would only signify a “brief hiatus” and not the end of his swimming career.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: CNA
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