Zoe Smith out of Rio 2016 due to injury
Official Statement from Zoe Smith:
It would be an understatement to say I'm disappointed not to be going to Rio.I've been struggling with injury since the beginning of the year which has seriously hindered (and eventually ended) my road to Rio, so although I'd obviously rather be competing, I'm glad I can give myself the break from competing that my body clearly needs. I'll be making the most of the opportunity to work closely with the BWL support staff in Loughborough to put these injuries to bed once and for all, and hopefully I'll come out of this fitter and stronger than before.
Despite the obvious setbacks, I've made some real progress over the past year so I'm excited to see what kind of improvements I'll be making once I'm fully fit again with a goal of competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in mind.
I wish Rebekah the best of luck - she is a fantastic performer and I have every confidence she'll make us proud in Rio.
I'd like to thank you all for the support you've given me up until this point - I imagine I'll be needing it more than ever in the coming weeks as I start my rehab post (my first ever!) surgery on my shoulder to repair my torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff.
Lots of love, Zo x
Official Statement from British Weight Lifting:
Following on from the shoulder injury sustained by Zoe Smith and her subsequent withdrawal from the Cybex British Weight Lifting Championships earlier this month, Zoe has since undergone a series of medical consultations and worked closely with Oliver Freeman, British Weight Lifting World Class Programme physiotherapist, as part of an intensive rehabilitation programme. However, given the nature of her injury, Zoe will be required to undergo surgery to return to full fitness.
The health and wellbeing of all athletes remains British Weight Lifting’s number one priority and we will remain focused on supporting Zoe through her rehabilitation and continue to provide her with the best support possible to ensure a full recovery.
