Willis to miss world champs to recover from surgery

Beijing Olympic Games 1500m bronze medallist Nick Willis has decided not to compete in the World Championships in Berlin next month.

Willis has withdrawn to allow plenty of time for a full recovery from hip surgery before embarking on an important year of competition in 2010.

He had intended to run the 800m in Berlin but does not want to take any unnecessary risks as he builds up to defend his Commonwealth 1500m title in Delhi.

"I am back running for 50 to 60 minutes four or five times a week so I'm getting fairly fit, but I can't put in the intensive quality work on the track to get race sharp.

"It is not worth taking those extra gambles for what would be a mediocre showing at the world champs given my background," said Willis.

The 26 year old says there is a small chance that he may be able to defend his Fifth Avenue mile later in the year.

"I'll be heading back to New Zealand in December for seven to eight weeks for warm weather training before returning to the States for the indoor season. I may return to New Zealand after that and maybe run a couple of races down under to make up for what I missed out on last year."

Athletics New Zealand High Performance Director Kevin Ankrom said it is disappointing that Willis won't be in Berlin but understands under the circumstances.

"Nick needs to recuperate fully, he can't do the quick stuff at the moment so needs to put his life right now and then think about the future," said Ankrom.

Willis said that he will make the most of this time.
"I have the opportunity of five to six months of good real base training that I wouldn't normally get that opportunity to put in," he said
Willis said that he has further goals in 2010 with an eye on the Diamond League which is to be established.