Posted at 3:11 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Illness keeps American Hansen out of 200 breastroke
Advertiser Staff
MELBOURNE, Australia — World-record holder Brendan Hansen dropped out of the 200-meter breaststroke because of illness Thursday, spoiling the next chapter in his rivalry with Kosuke Kitajima of Japan at the world swimming championships.The American was due to swim in a morning preliminary heat Thursday, with the final set for Friday night.
But the defending world champion became sick Wednesday night after returning to the team hotel from the pool, USA Swimming said in a statement.
He was monitored by doctors throughout the night, but team physician Ken Haller decided Hansen should not compete Thursday, the statement said.
Hansen won a gold medal in the 100 breaststroke Monday, defeating Kitajima for the fourth consecutive time. Kitajima settled for the silver, finishing 0.16 seconds behind.
Hansen's withdrawal left Eric Shanteau as the only U.S. swimmer in the 200 breaststroke.
Hansen is expected to return for Sunday's 400 medley relay, which should be good news for teammate Michael Phelps.
Phelps is on course to win eight gold medals in Melbourne, and not having Hansen on the medley relay would jeopardize U.S. chances for a victory.
