OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Marathon runner Webb out due to injury

Posted: Wednesday 25th July 2012 | 15:43

By Sportsbeat staff, London 2012

THE number of British athletes heading to the London 2012 Olympic Games is down to 541 after marathon runner Dave Webb withdrew from the squad due to injury.

The move was announced by the British Olympic Association after it was revealed the 30-year-old, who was a surprise choice alongside Scott Overall and Lee Merrien, did not pass a fitness test.

Leeds-based Webb was struggling to make the Games with a stress fracture.

Dr Ian McCurdie, the BOA’s Chief Medical Officer, in conjunction with Team GB Chef de Mission Andy, advised on the withdrawal from the team on medical grounds.

The BOA will not be nominating a replacement athlete in the men’s marathon and, with Webb’s withdrawal, the number of athletes on Team GB is now 541.

Andy Hunt, GB chef de mission, said: “We wish Dave the very best in his recovery and applaud him for offering his continued and full support to his athletics teammates.”