Female athlete Kami Semick has withdrawn from the 89km Comrades Marathon, it was announced in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Semick, who came third in only her second Comrades marathon last year, where she was narrowly beaten by the Nurgalieva twin sisters, had been forced to withdraw after her training schedule had not gone according to plan.
“As you know, I missed Two Oceans because of injury,” explained Semick.
“I am finally back to running without issues, but I don't have the right training mix to do what I'd like to do at Comrades.
“I hope to come back next year on the uphill run, with the proper training, and hit the podium again.”
Nick Bester, the national manager of the Nedbank Running Clubs said Semick's withdrawal was a big blow to his team.
“The good news is that our men's team is ready to do the trick on race day,” said Bester.
“Comrades star Claude Moshiwa and Comrades record holder Leonid Shvetsov have had a perfect built-up to the race and we expect big things from these two star athletes.” – Sapa