Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith are among several high-profile athletes withdrawing from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Multiple outlets report that Johnson-Thompson, an Olympic silver medallist, pulls out due to injury. Asher-Smith also withdraws, alongside other England athletics competitors named in the reports.
The withdrawals occur on the day of the opening ceremony on Thursday and are described as a significant setback for the event’s organisers. In addition to Johnson-Thompson and Asher-Smith, reports identify Matthew Hudson-Smith and Daryll Neita as part of the group withdrawing from the England athletics team. One source adds that there are nine members in total from the England squad who pull out.
The coverage across outlets is consistent on the key points: the Games in Glasgow are affected by multiple England athletics absences, the timing is the opening-ceremony day, and Johnson-Thompson’s reason is injury, while Asher-Smith is also listed among those not taking part.
