WELLINGTON – A heart condition has ended the Commonwealth Games hopes of former world junior shotput champion Jacko Gill, Athletics New Zealand said yesterday.
The 22-year-old, who made the world athletics championship final won by compatriot Tom Walsh earlier this year in London, is suffering from myocarditis and been advised to avoid training for at least six months.
“With careful management he should be able to return to training and competition in the latter half of 2018,” Athletics New Zealand said in a statement.
The recovery period would rule him out of the world indoor championships in Birmingham from March 1-4 and the Commonwealth Games, which will be held on Australia’s Gold Coast from April 4-15.
Myocarditis, which causes inflammation of the heart wall, is caused by a virus.
