Defending men's javelin champion Thomas Roehler has pulled out of competing at the Tokyo Olympics due to a back injury, he confirmed Monday. "It was incredibly difficult for me to turn down Tokyo. Together with my coach I have weighed things up carefully, but in the end my health has priority," said the 29-year-old, who injured his back while training. 

"I have to listen to my body now, because I want to compete at the top level for a few more years. "By participating at the Olympic Games, I would be risking too much, because of the back injury."