Heart condition sidelines Gill
WELLINGTON: Leading New Zealand shot putter Jacko Gill has been forced to take a significant break from the sport after suffering a health scare.
Gill (22) ended an eightday stint in hospital on Wednesday, having received treatment for myocarditis, a condition in which the heart muscle inflames and reduces its ability to pump blood.
The twotime junior world champion suffered the condition after reacting to a virus, Athletics New Zealand high performance medical director Dr Dan Exeter confirmed.
A full recovery can be expected but not without significant rest, starting with a complete break from training for three months.
Dr Exeter said restrictions could training
extend beyond that for a further three months, depending on the results of tests and consultation with cardiologists.
Gill will not be available for selection for the world indoor championships in Birmingham in March and is rated ‘‘unlikely’’ to compete at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast a month later.
He appears resigned to missing the fouryearly Games.
‘‘It’s disappointing I can’t prove myself at the Commonwealth Games next year, but in four years’ time I’ll be able to give it a good crack,’’ Gill told NZME.
‘‘I was in really good form, so I’m disappointed I can’t challenge for that gold medal, but I’ll be back in 2020 (Tokyo Olympics) and the 2019 World Championships.’’
Gill has been a consistent international performer for the last two years, although has largely performed in the shadow of world champion compatriot Tom Walsh.
He has recorded top10 finishes at the last two outdoor world championships and at the Rio Olympics.
Athletics NZ high performance director Scott Goodman said Gill was clearly frustrated but remained confident he could make a full recovery.
‘‘The main thing is that he is well and the prognosis for a return to good health is high,’’ Goodman said. — NZN