The Japan Swimming Federation announced today that Kosuke Hagino, bronze medalist in the 400 IM at the London Olympics, may not be able to compete at the 2015 FINA World Championships due to injury.
Hagino is suspected to have fractured his right elbow in Vichy, France, where Hagino is training with Japan’s national team. He has reportedly flown back to Tokyo to be examined and treated. He is expected to announce whether or not he’ll compete at a press conference on Friday, according to the Japan Times.
The FINA World Championships will be held in Kazan, Russia from July 24th to August 9th.
Twenty-year-old Hagino won gold in the 200 IM and silver in the 400 IM at the 2014 Doha World Championships. His absence in Kazan would boost the gold medal chances of rival competitors like Ryan Lochte, who took silver in the 200 IM behind Hagino in Doha.
A number of high-profile swimmers have already announced they will miss World Championships. France’s Yannick Agnel and Australia’s James Magnussen have pulled out due to illness and shoulder surgery, respectively. Michael Phelps was left off the American team as part of his suspension for 2014’s DUI arrest.
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