Hoff and Thoman withdraw from short course worlds

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) Two-time Olympian Katie Hoff has withdrawn from the U.S. team for the world short-course swimming championships next month in Doha, Qatar.

Hoff said Thursday that she has two blood clots in her lungs and as a precaution was told to avoid international air travel.

She had to withdraw from the U.S. national championships in August for what was initially diagnosed as an intercostal strain, which involves muscles that run between the ribs. Hoff says she later learned about the blood clots.

Hoff says she is recovering and plans to swim at the Minneapolis Grand Prix that begins Nov. 20. She also plans to swim a full schedule next year.

Also withdrawing from the U.S. team was Nick Thoman, who owns the short course world record in the 100-meter backstroke. USA Swimming gave no reason for Thoman's withdrawal.

Emily Allen will take Hoff's place, while Eugene Godsoe was named to replace Thoman for the Dec. 3-7 meet in Qatar.

David Marsh of Swim MAC Carolina will coach the men's team, while Ray Looze of Indiana University will coach the women's squad.