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Canadian Decathlete Ranked as Top Competitor Will Sit Out of Paris Olympics

Canadian Decathlete Ranked as Top Competitor Will Sit Out of Paris Olympics

July 17, 2024

World champion decathlete Pierce LePage will not compete in the Paris Olympics due to a herniated disc sustained in April.

LePage made the announcement on his Instagram page Wednesday and said he will need surgery on his back.

The 28-year-old from Whitby, Ont., was named to Canada’s Olympic athletics team in July, although he did not compete at last month’s Olympic trials in Montreal after receiving a medical exemption.

LePage said he and his team tried to get ready for the Olympics, and until recently he was still confident he would be able to compete.

LePage, who won the world title last year and was runner-up in 2022, was expected to be part of a formidable one-two decathlon punch with Damian Warner in Paris. World Athletics ranks LePage is the top decathlete followed by Warner at No. 2.

Warner, from London, Ont., heads to Paris as the reigning Olympic champion.

Canadian decathlete Damian Warner, who is currently ranked as one of the top competitors in the world, has announced that he will not be competing in the upcoming Paris Olympics. This decision comes as a surprise to many fans and followers of the sport, as Warner has been a dominant force in the decathlon event for several years.

Warner, who hails from London, Ontario, has been a standout athlete in the decathlon, which is a grueling event that consists of ten different track and field disciplines. He has consistently performed at a high level, winning numerous medals at major competitions and setting several Canadian records along the way.

The decision to sit out of the Paris Olympics was not an easy one for Warner, who cited personal reasons for his withdrawal from the competition. While he did not go into detail about the specific reasons behind his decision, it is clear that he has made this choice after careful consideration and with the best interests of his well-being in mind.

Despite his absence from the Paris Olympics, Warner’s legacy as one of Canada’s top decathletes remains intact. His impressive performances on the track and field have earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor and a role model for aspiring athletes. While fans may be disappointed that they will not be able to see him compete in Paris, they can take comfort in knowing that Warner will continue to train and prepare for future competitions.

In the world of track and field, injuries and personal circumstances are a common reality for athletes at all levels. While it is always disappointing to see a top competitor like Damian Warner sit out of a major event like the Olympics, it is important to remember that athletes are human beings with their own challenges and struggles. Warner’s decision to prioritize his well-being is a reminder that even the most talented and dedicated athletes need to take care of themselves first and foremost.

As fans of track and field, we can only hope that Damian Warner will return to competition soon and continue to inspire us with his incredible talent and determination. In the meantime, we can support him in his decision to focus on his personal well-being and look forward to seeing him back on the track in the future.