In a stunning blow to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, reigning world champion Massimo Stano has been forced to withdraw from the competition after a severe and sudden gout attack left him hospitalised.
The Italian race walking superstar, who clinched gold in the 35km event at last year's championships in Oregon, was struck down by the agonising condition just days before he was due to defend his title. The 31-year-old Olympic champion was reportedly rushed to hospital in excruciating pain, shattering his dreams of back-to-back world titles.
From Gold Medals to Hospital Wards
Stano's withdrawal sent shockwaves through the Italian athletic delegation and the wider racing community. The athlete took to social media to share the devastating news with his fans, posting a heartfelt message alongside a photo of himself from a hospital bed.
"Unfortunately, my world championships end here," Stano wrote in an emotional post. "After a few days of strong pain in my foot, I went to hospital for checks and the diagnosis was gout."
A Champion's Agony
Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream, is known for causing sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling and tenderness in the joints - typically the big toe. For an elite athlete whose career depends on foot health and mobility, the condition is particularly devastating.
The timing could hardly have been worse for Stano, who was at the peak of his conditioning and preparation for the championship event. His absence leaves a significant void in the 35km race walk competition and represents a major setback for Italian athletics.
Team Italy's Response
The Italian Athletic Federation confirmed Stano's withdrawal with deep regret, acknowledging the cruel twist of fate that has sidelined one of their strongest medal hopefuls. Team officials expressed their full support for the athlete during his recovery period.
Stano's remarkable career includes not only his 2022 world championship gold but also an Olympic gold medal in the 20km race walk at the Tokyo 2020 Games. His absence from Budapest represents a significant shift in the competitive landscape of race walking.
Medical experts note that while gout can affect anyone, elite athletes undergoing intense physical training may be particularly susceptible to certain metabolic changes that could contribute to such conditions.
