Fabian Hambuechen, a favorite for the men’s all-around title, will miss this week’s gymnastics worlds after rupturing a ligament in his left foot during training on Sunday.
But the German said yesterday he doesn’t need surgery, and will be able to resume full training in about six weeks.
“I’m happy that there’s not a more serious injury, but every injury is not very [good],” Hambuechen said. “Of course it’s kind of disappointing because I was not too badly prepared for these world championships.”
Hambuechen, the 2007 world silver medalist and reigning European champion, was expected to contend with Olympic silver medalist Kohei Uchimura of Japan and Jonathan Horton of the US for the all-around title. He also is the reigning world champion on high bar, his specialty.
Hambuechen was working on floor exercise when he landed awkwardly on the side of his left foot, tearing a ligament on the outside of the foot. He left the gym on crutches and was taken to a local hospital for tests.
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