Former world and Olympic 400 meter champion Jeremy Wariner has been forced to withdraw from the forthcoming world athletics championships in Daegu with a foot injury.
The two-time world champion tore a toe ligament in his left foot while training last month.
"I am disappointed that I will not be able to try to regain the world title in the 400 meters in Daegu," the 27-year-old American told U.S. Track & Field's official web site.
"Right now my focus is to get healthy, prepare for the 2012 season and try for my second Olympic gold medal in the 400. I wish my teammates the best in Daegu."
The injury to Wariner, who won gold at both the Athens Olympics in 2004 and four-years later in Beijing, has deprived him of a rematch with compatriot LaShawn Merritt, the man who beat him to the gold in Berlin two years ago.
Merritt, 25, has recently returned to competitive action after serving a 21-month doping ban.
In addition to his individual accolades, Wariner was also part of the U.S. 4x400m relay team which has claimed the gold medal at the last three world championships and two Olympic Games.
The 2011 World Championships will take place in South Korea for the first time, and are set to begin on August 27.
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