Pillage ruled out of Paris Olympics

PLYMOUTH Modern Pentathlete Myles Pillage will miss out on making an Olympic debut after suffering a recurrence of an injury, writes Daniel Clarke.

The 26-year-old former Plymouth College student had been set to compete for Team GB in the Paris 2024 Olympics, but has suffered heartbreak.

Pillage sustained a calf injury at the World Championships four weeks ago and despite intensive rehabilitation he re-injured his calf upon return to training, a statement from the British Olympic Association on Saturday said. It added that unfortunately, there is insufficient time remaining for him to be fit to compete without significant risk of further injury.

Under the IOC Late Athlete Replacement (LAR) rules Charlie Brown has been selected to compete in the men’s modern pentathlon.

Team GB Modern Pentathlon Team Leader Georgina Harland MBE said, “For Myles to have his dream of competing at the Olympic Games taken away from him due to injury is devastating. He has been such a valued member of the Performance squad throughout his career and fully deserved his place in Paris. We all wish him well in his recovery and will do all we can to support him through this.

“This has given Charlie an incredible opportunity which I know he will grasp. He is a great athlete with so much potential and has been preparing alongside the team, so we are confident he is ready to perform.”

Brown added; “I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. To compete at an Olympic Games this early on in my career, is something I am very proud of. I am extremely gutted for my teammate and friend, Myles. He is an incredible athlete, who works exceptionally hard, and I wish him all the best with his recovery.

“I have worked really hard over the last few years leading up to Paris, with the aim to compete for Team GB for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. My results have really accelerated since my senior debut, 18 months ago, and I am so excited to represent Team GB and give it all I’ve got for the team.”