Vlasic ruled out

Blanka Vlasic has withdrawn from London 2012 after failing to recover from an Achilles injury.

High jumper to miss Olympics through injury

Blanka Vlasic has decided to withdraw from London 2012 after failing to recover from an Achilles injury. The high jumper has undergone two operations and was battling to get back to full fitness to take up her place in London and try and better the silver medal she won in Beijing four years ago. But the 28-year-old Croatian has had to admit defeat in her quest to recover from the injury she picked up at the end of last season. "In this moment my health situation is getting better and my training is more complex every day," the double world champion wrote on her official website.

Healing

"Still, I will not be able to get into top shape in time for the Olympic Games. I'm not interested in jumping below my usual level, so it is the best thing to stay home and get the healing process to the end." But Vlasic remains confident she will regain her best form. "I feel this is only a minor setback in my career," she continued. "I'm looking forward to many more years of successful jumping. This is my chance for a new beginning!"