Lewis-Francis's Olympic dream over after Achilles injury
Mark Lewis-Francis has failed to live up to the potential he showed as a junior
Monday, 21, Apr 2008 08:27
Mark Lewis-Francis looks set to miss the Beijing Olympics due to an Achilles injury.
In the latest twist in his career, the 100-metre runner suffered a torn tendon during warm-weather training in Cyprus.
The 25-year-old will undergo surgery, making him a major doubt for the Olympic Games in August.
Dave Collins, UK Athletics' performance director, said Lewis-Francis needs an operation immediately to prevent further damage.
"On the positive side, it's good that the injury has been caught now before a full tear occurs as this would have been potentially career threatening," Collins said.
"I'm sure with that commitment, successful intervention and an intensive rehab programme he will make a successful recovery. We wish him all the best."
Lewis-Francis anchored the British 4x100m relay team to the gold medal at the last Olympics in Athens
The 25-year-old revealed last year that he is just one missed drugs test away from serving a one-year suspension after missing tests in 2005 and 2006.
The Birmingham-born athlete finished sixth in the British 100m rankings last season.
Lewis-Francis was in sparkling form in training and had rekindled his love for athletics, according to reports.
His injury opens the door to British youngsters Craig Pickering, Simeon Williamson and Tyrone Edgar.