Wednesday 28 February 2018 10:14, UK
Greg Rutherford has pulled out of the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham to help regain full fitness from injury.
The 2012 Olympic long jump champion secured his spot in the 31-strong GB team after winning at the British Indoor Championships on his return last week.
But the 31-year-old stuttered to fourth spot at the weekend's Muller Indoor Grand Prix in Glasgow and admitted his involvement at the Worlds, which start on Friday, was in doubt.
Rutherford, who competed just three times in 2017 and underwent groin and ankle surgery, said: "My performance from the British Championships to the Indoor Grand Prix in Glasgow showed improvement but it was still not at the level I demand of myself.
"It has not been an easy decision but I have therefore chosen to withdraw from the World Indoor Championships. I am now going to take a few days to recover from Glasgow before resuming training as I prepare for a successful summer.
"I am committed to becoming the first long jumper to win three European titles in a row and will be training hard over the coming months to return to the track as fit as ever."
He was limited to three competitive appearances last year and was forced to miss the defence of his World Championships title in London in the summer.
There was also a training camp in Dubai over the winter to improve his recovery from injury, but Rutherford has been left frustrated.
Rutherford had already decided against defending his Commonwealth Games title on the Gold Coast, Queensland in April as he aims to recover in time for the summer season - highlighted by the IAAF Diamond League.
