Bedos withdraws from 2024 Paris Olympics due to injury

Top middle-distance runner Alex Beddoes has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics due to injury, but his absence will not affect the Cook Islands’ global ranking for the 2028 Olympics.

Beddoes was scheduled to compete in the 800m heats last night but withdrew due to an injury sustained during the final training session.

This was confirmed by the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) and the Cook Islands Athletics Association in a joint statement issued yesterday morning.

“Our medical team recommended not to compete to prevent further injury. While disappointed, we fully support this decision, which prioritizes Alex’s health and future performance,” the statement said.

“Alex was an outstanding representative for the Cook Islands and we are deeply saddened by his passing. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the court.”

The 29-year-old former Pacific 800m and 1500m champion withdrew from the 800m event at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands last November due to food poisoning. He also withdrew from the 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji in June due to injury, but is helping coach the Cook Islands team.

Bedos said in a post on Instagram that he injured his knee during his last training session in Paris a few days ago.

“I worked closely with the medical team to try to resolve the situation, but I was unable to recover in time for (last night’s) game,” Beddoes said.

“I know many of you – my supporters, friends and family have given so much for me and for that I am deeply grateful. I am sad that I will not be able to participate in these Games.

“I just want to say that I tried my best to overcome this, but I’m sorry that despite my best efforts, it wasn’t enough.”

Cook Islands Athletics Association president Simone Feo said: “Alex’s health and wellbeing remains our priority and we are confident that he has and will continue to receive the best possible care.”

“While Alex’s withdrawal is regrettable, we do not believe it will affect the Cook Islands’ universal ranking in future Olympic Games.

“We remain committed to supporting our athletes and ensuring the Cook Islands receives the best possible representation on the global stage.”

In a joint statement, CISNOC and the Cook Islands Athletics Association further said: “We invite the community to join us in supporting Alex’s recovery. Thank you very much for your words of encouragement.”

“CISNOC and the Cook Islands Athletics Association remain committed to proudly representing the Cook Islands at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“We thank you for your understanding and continued support of our Olympic team.”

Beddoes and swimmer Lanihei Connolly are the only athletes representing the country at the Paris Olympics, with Connolly competing in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke a week ago and setting a personal best.

Bedos made his Olympic debut at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, where he competed in the 800m event and finished ninth in the preliminaries, a personal best.

He also competed in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, again competing in the 800m event, finishing seventh in the heats.

Beddoes competed in the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa and won gold medals in the men’s 800m and men’s 1500m. Last year, he was unable to compete in the 800m at the Pacific Games due to foodborne illness, but won bronze in the 1500m, setting a new personal best and Cook Islands record of 3:56.88 minutes.

Beddoes competed in the 800m at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and set a personal best and a new national record with a time of 1:47.26.

He was also named the 2023 Athlete of the Year at the Cook Islands Track and Field Championships.

In June this year, Beddoes was elected as a member of the Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) Athletes’ Commission for 2024.