Injury, illness rule Timaru pair out of world champs
Former champion Nicole Begg has withdrawn from the upcoming world speedskating championships due to ill health.
Begg has had dizzy spells since her horrific crash in Korea and is struggling to get back into top form.
In May she fell at a Korean track, breaking her jaw in two places, shattering three of her teeth, while also suffering severe bruising and abrasions to her body.
While the 27-year-old has bounced back to skate again at an international level, she believes she is not at her full potential.
Begg sadly joins fellow Timaru skater Analiese Le Roy on the sideline.
Le Roy was one of three junior skaters from Timaru who were heading to Chinese Taipei after being selected in March.
Le Roy has suffered ongoing problems with the discs in her back and despite some time off inline skates, she has not been able to shake off her injury.
While fine when cycling or running, the body position used in speed skating exacerbates her injury.
Begg’s absence is a big blow for the New Zealand team as she had twice been a world champion and is one of the country’s most experienced skaters at world championship level.
Begg won her first title in Korea in 2006 in the 10,000m and followed it a year later in Colombia in 1000m.
Her versatility from a 1000m race to the marathon makes her rather unique.
The Kiwi team had already lost the services of defending world champion Peter Michael, who switched to ice in pursuit of his Olympic dream.
That change means Michael will not get a shot at a fifth consecutive title in the 15,000m elimination race.
With Begg and Michael out it will now be up to one of the Kiwi European-based skaters to step up.
New Zealand coach Bill Begg said it was very disappointing for both Le Roy and his daughter, Nicole.
‘‘Analiese has been struggling as she cannot hold a good shape without getting sore. She took time off but the injury has not improved.’’
‘‘It is a shame as it would have been her second time at a world championships.’’
Begg’s daughter was also struggling but had made an early call.
‘‘Nicole only wanted to go if she had a reasonable shot at a medal and she does not believe that is the case.
‘‘She has been OK racing but feeling dizzy in between which is not ideal.’’
Begg said while Nicole won at a recent international meeting in China, she realised it was another step up again at the world championships.
The pair’s absence means the New Zealand team is down to 11.
Two other Timaru skaters will, however, still be going to the Chinese Taipei.
Dahna Penty, 17, and Jonathon Swindells,18, will compete in the junior divisions.
Penty is a sprinter while Swindells’ main event will be the marathon.
Begg said they were seeking further medical advice on Nicole.
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