James Magnussen to have immediate shoulder surgery – out of Dolphins team for Worlds
Swimming Australia, May 24, 2015: Australia’s two-time and defending 100m freestyle world champion James Magnussen will have immediate surgery on his injured shoulder, forcing him out of the Australian Dolphins for the up-coming FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia in July.
Doctors have revealed that significant damage to Magnussen’s sub-scapular region in his left shoulder has caused it to lose 70 percent of its strength.
A team of Australia’s leading sports doctors informed Magnussen, his coaches Mitch and Lach Falvey at Sydney’s Ravenswood Swim Club and Swimming Australia of the news late Friday.
It is likely that the 2012 London Olympic silver medallist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist and current world number three in the 100m freestyle will undergo the operation in Melbourne in the first week of June.
Australian Dolphins Swim Team’s National Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren was advised by Swimming Australia's Chief Medical Officer Peter Fricker that surgery was the best outcome for Magnussen’s immediate future.
“It is tough when a swimmer gets to this point and has to withdraw from the National team for such a significant event as the Worlds and especially when you are the defending champion,” said Verhaeren.
“All indications from our medical staff are that surgery is the best option. If there are any further issues then they can be treated sooner rather than later.
“This will give James more time to have the operation and begin the necessary rehabilitation before starting the preparation for the Olympic cycle.
“He has been recommended two of Australia’s finest shoulder surgeons with vast experience in this area and our rehabilitation team at Swimming Australia are already working on ensuring James gets the best possible outcome.”
Coach Mitch Falvey, who unfortunately also loses his place on his first Australian team, agreed with Verhaeren saying: “We trust the advice of the medical experts and believe surgery to be the best option for the long term.... I am very optimistic for what the future holds.
“Of course it’s disappointing for both of us but we are solely focused on the positives…a fully functioning shoulder and plenty of time for a great preparation for Rio.”
Coach Lach Falvey said: “For James to swim as fast as he did without full function and strength in that shoulder certainly gives us confidence of what he can do when we get him back to 100 percent.”
Magnussen, who attended a fundraising trivia night for his Ravenswood team last night, said today he was extremely disappointed not to be able to get the opportunity to represent Australia at his third World Championships.
“We, as a team, have explored every possible avenue to allow me to compete but unfortunately surgery is the only viable option if I am to be fit for the 2016 Rio Olympics,” Magnussen said.
"I will now focus all my time and effort on preparing for the Olympics next year. I am looking forward to regaining full strength in my shoulder and getting back to my best performances.
"I wish Jacco and the Dolphins team the best of luck and will be closely following the results."
Verhaeren will now decide who replaces Magnussen’s positions in both the 50 and 100m freestyle events and the 4x100m freestyle relay.
London Olympic relay swimmer Tommaso D’Orsogna finished third in the 100m at the Australian Championships in Sydney behind Pan Pacific gold medallist and world number two Cam McEvoy and Magnussen while Matt Abood was third to Magnussen and McEvoy in the 50m final.
Both swimmers are already on the Dolphins team for Kazan.
James has requested no interviews until after his surgery.
Issued on behalf of Swimming Australia by
Ian Hanson| Media Manager
Ian Hanson| Media Manager Triathlon Australia Managing Director
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