Injuries Force Damian Warner, Till Steinforth Withdrawals From World Decathlon Championships

Canada's Olympic decathlon champion Damian Warner withdrew from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo due to an Achilles injury, marking another setback after his difficulties at the previous Olympics and other recent competitions. Warner, a 35-year-old Londoner and one of only four men to surpass 9,000 points in decathlon, was unable to start the 100-meter dash, leaving the field open, especially with Norway's Markus Rooth also absent due to injury. German decathlete Till Steinforth also exited the championships early after three events due to groin pain following recent surgery, despite being hopeful prior to competition. Olympic silver medallist Leo Neugebauer remains in contention, ranking second after three events, while Canada's Pierce LePage, the defending champion, showed a slower start in the 100 meters but is expected to compete strongly in the remaining disciplines. The decathlon event continues with long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 meters, concluding on the final day of the championships. The withdrawals and injuries of top contenders have made the competition unusually open and unpredictable.