Ciara Mageean has said that "a few set backs" are behind her reason to withdraw from this week's European Indoor Championships in Poland.
The 1500-metre runner was part of the 24-strong Irish team set to compete in Torus and a leading medal hope, but said with the decision was made with the forthcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo in mind.
"Unfortunately due to a few set backs I am not where I want to be in order to compete in the European Indoor Champs and do myself and the Irish vest justice," she posted on her Twitter account.
"Never an easy decision but one that Steve and myself feel is right in order to best prepare me for the summer ahead.
"I am disappointed not to be racing alongside Irelands [sic] largest Indoor team to date and the amazing athletes who are on top form. Best of luck to all of Team Ireland @athleticsireland and my @teamnbmcr team mates too. I will be cheering every step of the way."
The 28-year-old won bronze at last year's European Indoor Championships in Glasgow, though it has been an up-and-down season so far for the Portaferry native.
Mageean opened her indoor winter season in early January with a promising performance over 3000 metres but after the death of her former coach Jerry Kiernan on January 21, she performed well below her best in a race in Karlsruhe in early February.
Afterwards she alluded to the possibility of not being in a frame of mind to compete after the loss of such a close friend and a huge figure in her development as an athlete.
Unfortunately due to a few set backs I am not where I want to be in order to compete in the European Indoor Champs and do myself and the Irish vest justice. Never an easy decision but one that Steve and myself feel is right in order to best prepare me for the summer ahead.
— Ciara Mageean (@ciaramageean) March 1, 2021
Watch the European Indoor Championships, 4-7 March, on RTÉ Player and RTÉ2, with the morning sessions exclusively on Player.
