Visa delays end the desire of British marathon runners to compete in the world

UK Athletics Chris Thompson, Team GB’s 2:10 Marathon will not be competing in the Men’s Marathon at the World Athletics Championships this Sunday after a significant delay in processing US visas.

Chris Thompson will not participate in the men’s marathon 🗞️

“We are encouraged that Chris Thompson will miss the world as Chris Thompson worked incredibly hard to race here.” – Team Leader @PdunnPaula# WCHOregon22

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) July 15, 2022

according to UKA press releaseThompson was in close contact with World Athletics and was assisted by the British government to resolve a last-minute visa stagnation, but due to the proximity of Sunday’s marathon, Thompson will not be able to travel or compete.

“It’s very sad that Chris couldn’t travel to Eugene for the World Athletics Championships. I’m grateful for World Athletics’ intervention and support to solve the problem, but unfortunately I’m running out of time. “, Said Pauladan, the leader of Team GB.

The 41-year-old marathoner was selected to represent Team GB after running his personal best of 2:10:21 at the 2021 British Marathon Championships. Last year, Thompson finished 54th in the Tokyo Olympic Marathon at 2:21. 29.

“I’m absolutely devastated and never in Eugene to compete,” Thompson said. In the statement. “This was my main goal this year and I was prepared for it. I don’t know what happened, but I had high expectations for going out. I will never reach this point. It should be, and it’s hard to believe it’s reached. ”

U.S. visa delays Common theme At the 2022 World Championship, many international athletes’ hopes of competing here in Oregon have been upset.

The 2022 World Athletics Championships will begin on Friday in Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon. All actions at Eugene Canadian running And ASICS Canada.follow me twitter upon Instagram For all of Team Canada and the latest exclusive news and content.