Japan’s Hagino Confirms He Is Pulling Out of Worlds Due to Broken Elbow

Yesterday we reported that Japan’s mega-star Kosuke Hagino suffered a mishap on the way to practice in Vichy, France, which rendered his elbow injured and his chances at competing in Kazan in jeopardy.

We are now learning today that Hagino will officially not be competing at the upcoming 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan as his right elbow is indeed broken.  Originally described as a ‘mishap’, it is revealed that the swimmer fell off of a bike at the Japanese national’s training camp in France.  The swimmer then immediately returned to Japan on Thursday for treatment on the fracture.

Says the 20-year old at a press conference Friday, July 3rd in Tokyo, “This is even more regrettable because my form had been getting better. I’m very sorry for all those who supported me. All I can do now is to recover with a strong motivation that I’ll win the gold in next year’s Olympics.” (Japan Times)  The swimmer appeared at the conference with his right arm firmly set in a plaster cast.

Although not requiring surgery, the injury will take two months to heal.  “I can only do my best to regain my health and I am resolved to win gold medals at next year’s Rio Olympic Games.”, expressed Hagino. (SuperSport)

Hagino is currently ranked 5th in the 400m freestyle and also holds two world number one-ranked times in the 200 IM and 400 IM.  He is the defending world champion in the shorter IM event.

Quite shocking is that Hagino is just the latest victim in a recent streak of primetime swimmers having to drop out of Worlds due various reasons, including Yannick Agnel’s illness announcement,Therese Alshammer’s injury and James Magnussen’s shoulder surgery.  Michael Phelps is also not on the Worlds roster for the United States, per his DUI suspension punishment, while South Korea’s Park Tae-Hwan is currently serving a doping ban.

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Tm
8 years ago

It does suck. I was looking forward to his IM battles with lochte (200) and with seto and Kalisz (400) along with some good freestyle races.

John
Reply to  Tm
8 years ago

Another reason to live for today. The US preference for “one fast swim a year” whilst Europe does the opposite has now turned into three years of “saving myself for the next Olympics” for some swimmers… it doesn’t allow for Hagino / Lochte type accidents!

Crannman
8 years ago

Hagino was the 2014 SCM world champion in the 200 IM to clarify , which is what I’m assuming what you guys meant . It really is a shame because I honestly thought he would have beat Lochte and would have joined Phelps and Lochte in the 1:54 club . Hopefully we will see that next year in Rio

Kris
8 years ago

Hagino is not the defending world champion in the 200 IM.

conspiracy theorist
8 years ago

Putin’s KGB experience + FINA greed & graft = a suspicious number of ‘accidents’ leading to home team glory.

bobo gigi
8 years ago

And at the end only the Russian swimmers will remain…. 😆

Please put Katie Ledecky in quarantine until day 1 of worlds. 🙄

Lane Four
Reply to  bobo gigi
8 years ago

Amen, Bobo.

Rafael
Reply to  Lane Four
8 years ago

Now will they take Cielo and Manadou out to open way for Morozov and take anyone who could disturb the 4×100 relay? Also Ruta and Pedersen to open way for Efimova?

Rafael
Reply to  bobo gigi
8 years ago

Actually Bobo.. we were all missing the picture..

The True Mastermind of all this is Locthe! Phelps Agnel Park Hagino out.. Sun swimming bad.. everything leads up to him!!!! the biggest benefector!!! (Waiting for votes down of people who do not understand irony)

Lane Four
Reply to  Rafael
8 years ago

I understand what you are saying, Rafael. I get nailed with thumbs down from those who don’t understand irony or a joke or a sense of difference. By the way, I gave you a thumbs UP.

Danjohnrob
Reply to  Rafael
8 years ago

Everybody always says Marsh works magic, so maybe he did a spell to eliminate Lochte’s competition! Avada Kedavra! LOL! 🙂

Lane Four
Reply to  Danjohnrob
8 years ago

This is so bizarre it could actually be true! Who is next?????? Someone PLEASE hide Ledecky and put a protective spell around her!!!!!

Rafael
Reply to  Lane Four
8 years ago

Irie, Clary, Bieldermann, Sun and Dwyer should hire bodyguards.. but they should check beforehand that none are related to Marsh/Locthe!

wave rider
8 years ago

I’m hoping for a speedy recovery. Hopefully it is just the bone and no ligaments were injured. I know someone who tore ligaments in their elbow and it took them over a year to lift a gallon of milk with that arm. Elbow injuries are not good.

luigi
8 years ago

Swimmers are so fragile out of the water … Phelps, Lochte, Hagino … and the list goes on

The 200 free have lost already two of the best contenders

mcgillrocks
Reply to  luigi
8 years ago

Three contenders, counting Park Tae-Hwan

Lane Four
8 years ago

One of my favorites now out…….how about we just skip Kazan and move directly to Rio? I swear, there is something really strange going on here with health issues, disciplinary issues and anything else you want to add right here ______________________.
Get well quickly, Kosuke. There are two guys waiting for a 200I.M. race in Rio. With you there, that 200 I.M. will be absolutely EPIC!

About Retta Race

Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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