Makwala Fit Enough To Run Today And Says It Would Be Devastating To Miss Out

Isaac Makwala has been ruled out of Tuesday’s 400m final despite insisting he was fit after an outbreak of the norovirus bug.

The 30-year-old, who was also pulled out of the 200m heats on Monday, was withdrawn by organisers the IAAF “due to a medical condition”.

Makwala had earlier told the BBC he would be “devastated” to miss out.

Public Health England says 30 athletes and support staff have been affected by sickness at the Tower Hotel in London.

Makwala was considered to be a leading challenger to Olympic champion and world record holder Wayde van Niekerk in the 400m (21:50 BST).

He admitted to vomiting before the 200m heats, but said he was not tested.

“I could have run. I did my warm up well and I was ready to run. I feel ready to run today, tonight,” he said.

“This is bad. Sometimes I feel heartbroken. Yesterday, I was ready for this. I worked hard for this.”

Makwala has been one of the best performing athletes at the championships and has represented the country well, missing the race would not just be a loss to him after so much hardwork but to the nation at large and his fans across the world.