Flash! Natalie Suffers Stress Fracture, Withdraws from Short Course World Champs

By Phillip Whitten

DENVER, Colo., October 1. DOUBLE Olympic gold medalist Natalie Coughlin has withdrawn from the Short Course World Championships next week in Indianapolis after her physician confirmed yesterday that the 22 year-old superstar had suffered a stress fracture of the third metatarsal in her left foot during practice on Wednesday.

According to her agent, Janey Miller, "Natalie will be required to wear a support boot for six weeks." Unfortunately, this means that she will be unable to compete at Short Course Worlds.

An official announcement by USA Swimming is expected late this afternoon.

Bill Benner, Vice President of Communications for the Indiana Sports Corporation, which is hosting the Championships, commented: "Obviously we're disappointed. Natalie is a great athlete and she has star power. But we also understand that injuries go with the territory of being a world-class athlete.

"We wish Natalie a quick recovery and hope she'll still be able to make an appearance here for the media and her many fans. In any event, we're confident we'll put on a great World Championship meet."

Natalie, who won five medals at the Athens Games — more than any other female athlete in any sport — holds the short course world records for 100 and 200 meters backstroke, 100 meters butterfly and 100 meters individual medley.

As we posted this story, Miller said it had not yet been decided if Natalie will still be going to Indy for media appearances. A decision is expected to be announced later today.

ADDITION
Janey Miller announced this afternoon that Natalie will NOT be going to Indianapolis, but will stay aat home to recover from her injury.

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