Cook Islands middle distance champion runner Alex Beddoes has pulled out of the 2024 Olympic Games “due to an injury sustained during a final training session” in Paris, France, this week.

The 29-year-old was scheduled to compete in the men’s 800 metres heat tonight at 11.55pm (Cook Islands time).

In a statement released this morning, Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) and Athletics Cook Islands said they regret to announce that Beddoes will not compete in the 800m event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games due to an injury sustained during a final training session.
“Our medical team has advised against racing to prevent further damage. While disappointed, we fully support this decision, prioritising Alex’s health and future performance,” the statement said.

“Alex has been an outstanding representative for the Cook Islands, and his absence will be deeply felt. We extend our heartfelt wishes for his swift recovery and look forward to his return to competition.
“We invite our community to join us in supporting Alex during his recovery. Your messages of encouragement are greatly appreciated.
“CISNOC and Athletics Cook Islands remain committed to proudly representing the Cook Islands at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“We thank you for your understanding and continued support of our Olympic team.”

Beddoes and swimmer Lanihei Connolly, who competed a week ago achieving a personal best in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke, were the only athletes representing the country at the games.

His first Olympic Games was in 2016 in Brazil where he competed in the 800 metres event and finished ninth in the heats, setting a personal best.

He also competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, again in the 800m event, and placed seventh in the heats.

Beddoes took part in the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa and won the men’s 800 metres and men’s 1500 metres gold medals. He was unable to compete in the 800m event at last year's Pacific Games due to a foodborne illness but secured a bronze medal in the 1500m event, setting a new personal best and a new Cook Islands record of 3:56.88 minutes.

Beddoes competed at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 in the 800m event, where he set a personal best and new national record of 1:47.26 minutes.