World leader Tsatoumas, Thanou not to compete in Osaka
By Chris Galakoutis
Thursday, August 9 2007 10:17:58 PM
The Greek team for the World Championships in Athletics that begin later this month in Osaka lost one of its brightest stars and medal hopefuls today, with the news that long-jumper Louis Tsatoumas has pulled out due to an ongoing back injury.
George Pomaski, Tsatoumas’ coach, informed the Greek federation today of the decision.
Tsatoumas last competed on July 2nd in Athens at the Tsiklitiria meet, where he attempted only one jump. Since that time he has been undergoing treatment in Athens as well as Germany.
Tsatoumas has the two best jumps in the world this year including his record setting 8.66m, which had made him a clear medal favorite for Osaka.
Despite hitting the 100m “B” standard, sources tell HellenicAthletes.com that Katerina Thanou has also decided to close out her season and not compete at the world championships.
Following her 11.35 run last week, Thanou indicated Osaka was not necessarily in her plans, and instead was looking to run two or three more races in August before calling it a season. However with her not running since the Thessaloniki meet 10 days ago, any further races now appear unlikely.
updated August 10, 9:30 AM, EDT
Chris Galakoutis is the managing editor of HellenicAthletes.com. He can be reached at cgalakoutis@hellenicathletes.com