David Martin for IAAF
8 March 2001 - Newly appointed team captain Jamie Baulch looks likely to withdraw because
of a back injury from the World Indoor Championships which begin in Lisbon on Friday
morning.
Baulch winner of the 400 metres individual race two years ago in Maebashi was not chosen to defend his title by UK Athletics. Despite four victories on the international circuit the selectors preferred Mark Hylton.
The blow to a deeply disappointed Baulch was softened when the Welshman - a seasoned indoor campaigner - was named as team captain and to run in the 4x400 metres relay.
Delighted at being given the appointment Baulch believed the British quartet could challenge the very strong United States side and forecast their world record could be in jeopardy.
Baulch currently in Germany receiving treatment said: "It looks as if I will be unable to take up the honour of being the British team captain and help the 4x400 team to a gold medal and possible world record at the World Indoor Championships.
"I aggravated an old back injury in the gym earlier this week and travelled to Munich today to receive treatment. I will test the injury out tomorrow in training and if there has been no improvement, I will inform the British team in Lisbon of my withdrawal.
"I have kept British Athletics informed of this situation and they have confirmed that they would not want an 80 per cent Jamie Baulch at the Championships, which could then jeopardise my outdoor season."
Last year´s European Cup winner Larry Achike who has a bruised heel has pulled out of the triple jump while Marcia Richardson misses the 60 metres sprint with a knee injury.
