Decathlon world record holder Kevin Mayer has once again prematurely ended a competition - and thus missed the title defense at the World Athletics Championships in Doha. The Frenchman led after six disciplines. But then an injury stopped him.
The left Achilles tendon was already bandaged, as Mayer grabbed the 110 meters hurdles to the thigh. Nevertheless, he started to pole vault. But probably because of severe pain, he had to stop all three attempts. They were considered failed attempts. Mayer had tears in his eyes, sat down on a bench and buried his face in his arms. He finished the competition completely. Some competitors consoled him.
AP
After the World Cup: Kevin Mayer
The 27-year-old had to give up his title chances at the European Championships in Berlin 2018 after three invalid attempts in the long jump and finish the competition. Arthur Abele won instead.
Mayer is considered the most complete athlete in the decathlon. Read here what makes him special.