EMMA ROBINSON WITHDRAWS FROM PAN PACS TEAM

Sickness has forced Emma Robinson to withdraw from competing at the Pan Pacific Championships, which begins on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan.

A respiratory tract infection has hampered Robinson’s training in recent weeks and she has been unable to shake off the sickness which has affected her overall fitness.

Robinson was due to arrive in Tokyo yesterday, but following advice from her doctor and coach, she has made the decision to withdraw.

“This was a really tough decision to pull out of the Pan Pacific Championships, I am sure there are some disappointed people out there but no one as disappointed as me.”

Speaking from her Brisbane base, Robinson added, “I wish all the best for the remaining team members, I know they will do themselves and New Zealand proud."

Swimming New Zealand Targeted Athlete and Coach Manager Gary Francis says, “I’m hugely disappointed for Emma, especially as she had been swimming so well, we saw a glimpse of her class at the NZ Opens in qualifying for Pan Pacs.

“We wish her all the best in her recovery and training, I’m really confident that we will see her back representing New Zealand soon.”

Robinson qualified for the Pan Pacific Championships at last month’s Aon NZ Open Championships in the women’s 800m and 1500m freestyle events.