Overview

• Kennedy announced his withdrawal on Instagram, and manager Nic Bideau said the lingering injury means he cannot train to the level required to compete.
• The stress fracture has been managed since June, with recent imaging indicating no improvement and possible deterioration.
• The decision follows a breakout year that included a legal 9.98-second 100m in Nairobi and a world indoor silver over 60m.
• Bideau framed the move as protecting Kennedy’s future with major championships ahead, including the Commonwealth Games and the Los Angeles Olympics cycle.
• Athletics Australia is set to finalize the Tokyo squad next week, and race walker Jemima Montag has also withdrawn due to hamstring surgery.