Britain's medals hopes at this weekend's World Indoor Championships in Doha have been dealt a blow by the withdrawal of defending triple jump champion Phillips Idowu.
The 31 year-old, who won the world indoor crown in Valencia two years ago and added the outdoor title in Berlin last summer, said the recent birth of his second child had interrupted his preparations for the championships and he no longer felt able to do himself justice.
"I am gutted not to be representing the GB team in Doha and passing up the opportunity to defend my title," he said.
"However, the late arrival of my baby boy has meant that my training has been severely disrupted and I decided after talking with my coach that I'd not had the preparation we agreed was needed to do the British team proud.
"I was hoping to avoid this by competing in a larger than usual number of events early in the season, but it hasn't worked out that way.
"Instead I will increase the training with a focus on the European Championships in Barcelona. I wish the team the best of luck in Doha."
Idowu's duel with Sweden's Christian Olsson had been one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the three-day championships, which begin on Friday, and his absence means Britain will be without one of their best gold-medal prospects.
The country's main hopes will now rest with Jessica Ennis in the pentathlon, Dwain Chambers in the 60 metres and Jenny Meadows in the 800m.
Charles van Commenee, UK Athletics' head coach, said: "I am disappointed that Phillips is not competing this week as he was a clear medal prospect.
"However, I need to respect his decision and I look forward to him resuming winning ways in the summer."
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