Pole Vaulter Ariadne Adamopoulou Withdraws From Olympic Final

Pole vaulter Ariadne Adamopoulou withdrew from the women’s pole vault final at the Olympics on Tuesday due to injury. The 24-year-old athlete announced on social media that she would miss the final because of an injury she sustained in the preliminary round.

An MRI she underwent on Tuesday revealed a second-degree strain. “I am very sad about this development, but I have to put my health first,” Adamopoulou said.

Greece will be represented in the pole vault final by Rio Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi.

Injury Concerns

Adamopoulou has been struggling with injuries in recent months. She withdrew from the European Championships in June due to a hamstring injury.

The pole vaulter said she is now focused on recovering from her injury and returning to competition as soon as possible.

“I am confident that I will come back stronger than ever,” Adamopoulou said.

Olympic Hopes Dashed

Adamopoulou was one of Greece’s top medal hopes in the pole vault. She is a former European champion and has a personal best of 4.85 meters.

Her withdrawal from the Olympic final is a major blow to Greece’s hopes of winning a medal in the event.

Support for Adamopoulou

Adamopoulou has received an outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes, and the Greek Olympic Committee.

The Greek Olympic Committee said in a statement that it “fully supports Ariadne Adamopoulou’s decision to withdraw from the Olympic final.” The statement added that “her health is our top priority.”

Adamopoulou’s fellow athletes have also expressed their support. Rio Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi tweeted that she is “heartbroken” for Adamopoulou.

“Ariadne is a great athlete and a great person,” Stefanidi wrote. “I know she will come back from this stronger than ever.”