Double Paralympic champion Liam Malone to miss London 2017

New Zealand’s double Paralympic champion Liam Malone has been ruled out of selection for this summer’s World Para Athletics Championships in London, Great Britain, due to injury.

The 23-year-old hit the headlines at Rio 2016 when he stormed home to win the 200m and 400m T44, as well as finishing second behind Great Britain’s defending champion Jonnie Peacock in the blue riband men’s 100m T44.

Malone, who was named Disabled Sportsperson of the Year in his home country after last September’s Games, has been struggling with injury since late last year.

The Auckland-based Para athlete, who competes in the T43 class, has made clear his ambitions for the future, stating that he is ‘trying to be the fastest person on the planet to run 400m’. That aim may be put on hold for now, but Tokyo 2020 remains a key target.

Six Kiwi Para athletes have been selected to compete at London 2017 – including another gold medallist from Rio, 20-year-old Anna Grimaldi, who won long jump T47 gold at the Games to add to the world bronze medal she won in 2015.

Paralympic javelin F46 silver medallist Holly Robinson, javelin F44 silver medallist Rory McSweeney and shot put F34 bronze medallist Jessica Hamill will all line up in their specialist field events.

Out on the track, 17-year-old double Paralympic bronze medallist William Stedman will take on the 400m and 800m T36 alongside newcomer Keegan Pitcher.

The World Para Athletics Championships will take place in London, Great Britain from 14-23 July at the city’s iconic Olympic Park venue.