Home/Olympics

Have you ever found yourself in a competition where you are in great form and have also reached the final round but have to get out still? And not because you were beaten fair and square by an opponent but had to withdraw from the contest due to a health condition? The frustration is palpable, especially if you’re the favorite for the title.?

Tokyo Olympics Gold Medallist Chase Kalisz has unfortunately met the same fate. The 29-year-old swimming expert had already qualified for the 2023 World Championship Team of the U.S. after he came in second place in the 400-meter individual medley category. However, the swimming ace is now on his way back home and will not participate in any pool action for the rest of the Nationals.

Kalisz Announces His Departure From Nationals Via Twitter

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The world champ, also known as Killer Kalisz, announced his departure from the tournament via his Twitter account. In a tweet, he said that he has come down with food poisoning and will have to forfeit from the remainder of the Nationals. His departure would definitely create a stir in the rest of the swimmers, who now stand a slightly better chance at bagging a spot for themselves as one of the best contenders is out of the equation now.

Chase Kalisz also mentioned in his tweet that he will concentrate on his recovery, ?My focus is on getting back to 100% health for the rest of the summer.? ?Seeing one of the top contenders out of the competition is definitely a hard pill to digest, especially when the cause of departure is also a stomach problem.?While this news has come as a big disappointment to fans, they have extended their support to the swimmer.

Complete Focus on Recovery

While replying to his tweet, one of the fans said, ?Ugh! Get healthy! Can?t wait to see you race at your best!? Another fan showed their support by wishing Kalisz the best for his upcoming event, ?Ugh, food poisoning is no fun! Take care of you and get ready to take on the world in Fukuoka!? Taking a humorous jibe at the situation, another Twitter user commented, ?Did you eat something Shane gave you?? Shaine Casas is one of the competitors of Kalisz and was the top seed of the 400-meter individual medley race.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Speaking about how another swimmer, Claire Curzan, went through a similar situation, a Twitter user talked about how she had to be out of the competition for six days due to health reasons, ?She nearly scratched out of the meet but decided to swim anyways. I feel like this makes her results a lot more impressive.??

ALSO READ – Chase Kalisz Reveals He Has Food Poisoning, Withdraws From Nationals

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Have you ever found yourself with such bad luck? Where poor health prevented you from enjoying something?

WATCH STORY – Swimming GOAT Michael Phelps Applauds the Young Prodigy Who Broke the 200m LCM Record After 22 Years