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Off Track

More bad news as Gillick to miss world championships

Dubliner joins Ailis McSweeney on the sidelines for the rest of the season as focus turns to London 2012 in 365 days’ time.

DAVID GILLICK HAS this morning announced his dramatic decision to call a halt to his season and quit his US training base.

The Dubliner, who suffered injury and a loss of form, will now miss the World Championships in South Korea next month. He plans to return to train with his former coach Nick Dakin in Loughborough.

Gillick placed sixth at the 2009 World Championships and came fifth in the European final of the 400m last season.

“Obviously I am very disappointed to have to sit the season out,” he said in a statement this morning, “I have invested a lot of time and effort in attempting to make this a successful year, but unfortunately tearing my calf muscle and the subsequent problems have put me way behind where I want to be.”

The focus now turns to London 2012, which begins one year from today. But his preparations will take place a lot closer to home over the next 12 months.

“I want to do everything in my power to achieve my full potential in biggest stage of all, the Olympic Games.”

“Moving to America was a massive learning curve and it was an opportunity that I am glad that I pursued. The aim now, however is to recovery and to return to 100% fitness. I will have a great team around me and with their support, I truly believe that I can perform at the highest level again on the world stage,” he added.

Gillick is joined in the treatment room by Cork sprinter Ailis McSweeney. The Leevale star will also miss the rest of the season with an achilles injury.

She tweeted last night: “Running season 2011 all over before it began. Sadly my Achilles have refused to try take me to World Champs in August #haters.”

Before adding: "Gonna get them fixed (or replaced?!), focus on 2012, and maybe spend some time on irishjobs.ie :("

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