German amputee jumper won't contest exclusion from Euros
German amputee long jump champion Markus Rehm announced Thursday he won't contest his national federation's decision to exclude him from the European Championships.
Rehm wears a prosthesis due to his right leg being amputated above the knee. The German Athletics Federation this week prohibited Rehm from competing at Euros, despite Rehm's victory in the long jump at German nationals, because the federation said Rehm's prosthesis gives him an unfair advantage.
While Rehm has decided not to contest the decision in the interest of "fair play," he said he will do all he can to prove that his prosthesis does not give him an advantage over able-bodied competitors.
From the Associated Press:
"If it is proven that I had an advantage because of the prosthesis, I will have all my jumps annulled and I will give my title back," Rehm said at a news conference. "More analysis is needed until a comprehensive picture is achieved."
Rehm and other experts have questioned the measuring method used by the German federation, saying it did not provide a complete picture.
The European Championships take place in Zurich from Aug. 12-17.
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- Ben Estes
