Why world record holder Kevin Mayer will not compete in decathlon at Paris Olympics 2024? All you need to know about the Frenchman's absence

By Adityan Pillai

Modified Aug 02, 2024 10:51 GMT

Decathlon World Record Holder, Kevin Mayer, pulled out of the 2024 Paris Olympics a day before the commencement of the Track and Field events at the quadrennial Games. The French athlete was one of the nation's top prospects to finish on the podium at the country’s largest stadium, the Stade de France.

Mayer released a statement before the commencement of the Games, informing fans about his decision to withdraw from the decathlon. He revealed that he could not recover from a thigh injury while competing in the 110m hurdles leg of the decathlon at the Paris Diamond League, which led to his decision to withdraw from the event altogether.

"I had some tests this morning and to be crystal clear, I could run 20 meters at about 80, 85 per cent. As soon as I stood up, I felt like an electric sting, not huge, but I am very far from being able to run a 100m 100 per cent fit," Mayer said (via Olympics.com).

"I spent three hours hesitating, I wanted to do it but I knew there was no chance. I had a meeting with my staff, everybody talked, everybody said where we stood. The conclusion was that I tried everything," he added.

He was content with his rehab process. However; it was too quick to make a full recovery.

"I am still proud I managed to do three weeks of rehab with a result which normally you get after two months. I worked like crazy to get there, but it was not enough. Since I am not fit enough to manage the best performances, there was no reason to go in this stadium, hurt myself, make a show of myself, it’s that simple," Mayer said.

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A look into Kevin Mayer's struggles with injuries

Kevin Mayer at the 2024 European Athletics Championships - Day Four (Source: Getty)

Kevin Mayer has suffered several injuries which forced him to withdraw from events. After winning the silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics, the World Record-holder could not compete in the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2022 due to an Achilles injury.

After recovering from the injury in March 2022, Mayer had to withdraw from the European Athletics Championships 2022 due to a thigh injury in the first event of the championships. These recurring injuries have had a profound impact on his professional career.

He returned to the World Championships in 2023 but withdrew from the Games after the second event due to issues with his Achilles tendon.

Kevin Mayer decided to focus on the Paris Olympics after the setback. However, his dreams were shattered after a devastating fall in the 110m leg of the decathlon at the Paris Diamond League, a month ahead of the quadrennial Games.