Andre De Grasse has made the decision to withdraw from the Games in order to be better prepared for a full outdoor season. After a 2017 season that ended with a hamstring injury, De Grasse began training for the 2018 season cautiously. His 2017 injury is completely healed and he is 100 percent healthy, he’s just not where he wants to be yet from a fitness standpoint.

“To me the Commonwealth Games was going to be a great opportunity to display my talents to a passionate fan base in Australia. I wouldn’t want to go in there at any less than my best and for that reason we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Games. My team and I feel like this is the best decision for the long term. I will now train hard through the spring to be ready for a strong and full outdoor season.” said De Grasse.

De Grasse will start his outdoor season with a 100-metre race at the Drake Relays at the end of April, before turning his attention to the Diamond League meets and eventually the NACAC Championships in his home town of Toronto.

“As disappointed as I am about not being able to line up in Australia, I know this is the right decision. I plan to be back on top of the World this outdoor season and these next six week’s of training are essential to set me up for success this summer.”