Hurdles star Jack Green to take time out following depression

OLYMPIC 400 metre hurdles semi-finalist Jack Green has announced he will not participate in the 2014 World Class Performance Programme (WCPP) due to the aftereffects of depression.

G re e n, the 20 1 1 European Under- 23 champion, will skip next year’s WCPP — funded by the National Lottery through UK Sport and designed to maximise the potential of athletes capable of claiming medals at Olympic Games and World Championships — to focus on his recovery.

Green said in a press release from British Athletics: “Those close to me and working with me know I have been suffering with depression over the last year, and despite a full recovery, I believe a break is necessary for my mental health.

“Athletics at the top level requires an application that I had, disappointingly, not been able to give it in recent times, which made life both on and off the track extremely difficult for me and I need to step back for a period of time.

“I wanted to be open and honest about my reasons for taking this break.

“I have been lucky to be so well supported during this time by the British Athletics support staff, but I realise this can be a difficult subject matter and if me being honest offers anyone else some support then that can only be a good thing.

“I’d like to thank the British Athletics performance team including my coach Malcolm Arnold for their support and understanding leading up to this difficult decision.”

British Athletics performance director Neil Black said: “We fully support Jack in what has obviously been a tough decision and I’m really pleased that he has been open about his reasons.

“We look forward to seeing Jack back in the sport once he has had enough time to recuperate.”