Two-time London Marathon winner Brigid Kosgei has announced her withdrawal from the 2022 race due to a hamstring injury.
The 28-year-old was crowned women's champion in the 2019 and 2020 editions having previously won the silver medal for Kenya in 2018, and she also holds the women's world record of 2:14:04.
Kosgei achieved that world-beating time at the 2019 Chicago Marathon, although she could only place fourth in London last year with a time of 2:18:40.
The Tokyo 2020 silver medallist was due to compete for her third title at the 2022 London Marathon, which takes place on October 2, but she has revealed that a hamstring issue in her right leg will prevent her from competing.
"I have been struggling over the past month with an issue in the hamstring of my right leg. My training has been up and down and not the way I would like to prepare to be in top condition for the 2022 TCS London Marathon," Kosgei wrote on social media.
"We've decided it's best I withdraw from this year's race and get further treatment on my injuries in order to enter 2023 stronger than ever."
Kosgei's compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei took the women's title at the 2021 London Marathon with 02:17:43 and will seek to defend her title, while fellow Kenyan Sisay Lemma aims to retain his crown in the men's race alongside Sir Mo Farah.
Ben Knapton
