Australian Dani Samuels withdrawals from Commonwealth Games because of health concerns
Dani Samuels of Australia, winner of the 2009 World Championships in the discus throw, has announced her withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, citing concern for her safety.
Samuel was at first concerned about her health after outbreaks of dengue fever and swine flu were reported in Delhi. A wetter than usual season has seen an increase in the mosquito population, and as a result, has caused a significant increase in the spread
of mosquito borne diseases.
An armed attack on Sunday added to her concerns and prompted the withdrawal.
“The situation has been bothering her for some time and the events of the weekend made it real,” said Samuels' manager Hayden Knowles.
Her decision came before a bridge collapse, which raised concerns about the safety of the infrastructure of the Games’ venues. The bridge collapse injured 23 people.
Samuels was worried that her decision would influence other athlete’s decisions, but Knowles isn’t concerned that other Australian athletes will follow Samuels’ lead.
“I wouldn't think she's got that much influence, and she certainly doesn't want that,” said Knowles. “She found it hard to announce her decision because of how it might affect other athletes on the team.”
She is the first Australian to drop out from the games because of health concerns, but more may follow from Australia and other countries, as reports from Delhi are now reporting that the athlete’s village is in disarray.
Many star athletes have already pulled themselves out of the Games because of injury, or simply to rest their bodies for next season, which will include the World Championships in South Korea.
In 2006 Samuels won the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, and was expected to take home a medal in this year’s competition as well. Last week, she defeated Olympic champion, Stephanie Brown-Trafton of the United States, in Sydney.
Her personal best in the discus throw was set earlier this year in Sydney, a mark of 65.85m. The women’s world record is 76.80, set in 1998 by Gabriele Reinsch of the country formerly known as East Germany.
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