Australian cyclist Cameron Meyer has made the heartbreaking call to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics as his father battles brain cancer.
The Commonwealth Games road time trial champion withdrew ahead of Monday’s official team naming before revealing the cruel fight facing his father Ken.
“Some unfortunate news, I am sad to say I have had to withdraw myself from the Australian Cycling Team for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games,” Meyer said in a statement.
“Due to family health reasons where my father is continuing to battle Stage 4 Brain Cancer and with the difficult travel restrictions around the COVID Pandemic, I believe I am unable to represent my country in Tokyo at 100%.
“The Olympics are a special privilege for any athlete, and I would not feel right knowing my condition was not where it needed to be due to my current circumstances.
“I look forward to spending some quality time with my family during this difficult period and will be cheering on what I’m sure will be a successful Australian Olympic Team.”
Meyer was set to become a two-time Olympian, having finished fourth in the points race in Beijing 2008.
“Unfortunately you don’t always get to choose when life throws you it’s challenges,” he added on Twitter.
AusCycling Performance Director Simon Jones said a panel will meet this week to nominate a replacement rider for the Tokyo Games.
“Our immediate thoughts are with Cameron and his family at this tough time,” Jones said.
“We will reconvene as a selection panel in the coming days and discuss how we can nominate a rider to maximise our medal objectives.”