German Will Not Compete in Portland, Hopes to Regain Fitness by Rio

By Scott Bush

2012 Olympic bronze medalist, 2013 world champion and 2015 world silver medalist pole vaulter Raphael Holzdeppe (GER) has been knocked out of World Indoor Championship contention due to injury. The 26 year old, who bested world record holder Renaud Lavillenie (FRA) and reigning world champion Shawn Barber (CAN) earlier this season, has been relatively quiet in recent weeks and Holzdeppe's injury announcement on Instagram explains why. 

Translation of his Instagram message is:

Unfortunately my injury is greater than thought and I have to have surgery on Monday on my foot. Now we have to fight for the Olympics.