Tokyo Olympic BMX racing gold medalist Niek Kimmann of the Netherlands will miss the Paris Games due to an inflamed heart muscle.
Kimmann, 28, has felt symptoms for a while and underwent a test after last month’s world championships that revealed the inflammation.
Medical staff said chances of recovery are high, and Kimmann can return to competition after recovery, according to a press release.
“The doctors do not consider it responsible to participate at this time,” he said in the release. “Of course, I would have loved to defend my title from Tokyo, but my health comes first.”
At last month’s worlds, Kimmann took silver behind Frenchman Joris Daudet and ahead of Frenchman Sylvain André in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
No Paris ❌, but thankful to be in good hands. All the best to Jaymio, Dave and the rest of @TeamNLtweets ❤️👊 pic.twitter.com/dWwqIM9WXX
— Niek Kimmann (@niekkimmann) June 21, 2024