Injury forces world champion decathlete from Whitby out of Paris Olympics
Published July 18, 2024 at 12:01 am
World champion decathlete Pierce LePage will not be in Paris after all.
The Whitby athlete, who was named to Canada’s Olympic team last week, announced on his Instagram page Wednesday that a herniated disc he suffered in April has not responded to treatment in time for him to compete.
LePage, who was expected to give Canada a massive 1-2 punch in the prestigious decathlon competition with defending gold medalist Damian Warner, thanked his coaches, his physio team and his family for how much they put into trying to get him ready in time for the Olympics.
“The amount of support they gave me from when I couldn’t stand or walk was nothing short of amazing,” he said, citing the regular two-hour round trips from therapist Andrea Stephens and the work put in by his coach, Gregory Portnoy. “We were trying our best to be ready for the games. Without them I’m not sure I could have pushed to the end like I did.”
LePage also thanked Athletics Canada for “always providing the resources and the support on my athletics journey,” and to his fans around the country. “I’m sorry I let you down but I’ll be back next year.”
LePage said he will need surgery on his back.
The 28-year-old, who has a collection of medals from World Championships and Commonwealth and Pan Am games in addition to his world title last year, was fifth at the Tokyo Olympics.
Support for the world champion was quick to pour in on social media:
“Heartbreaking – an athlete that deserves the biggest stage and has earned the biggest stage. The Games are lesser with his absence.” Andrew
“So sad! What a time to have such a major injury. Never a good time to have a herniated disc, but a month before Olympics really sucks.” Jan
“That sucks – for us as well as him. Hopefully he makes a full recovery.” Erik
“Oh no – it’s heartbreaking. Wish his pain is manageable and he has good painkillers.” Lucie
“Brutal for him. The Olympics is the crowning achievement for a multi-event sport like decathlon. Hopefully he’s sticking around for ’28.” Peter
