Blanka Vlasic on Saturday withdrew from the London Games in another Olympic disappointment for the Croatian high jump star.
Vlasic, 28, said on her website that she has still not reached top shape in the wake of ankle surgery to compete for the gold medal at the Games, which start on July 27.
“I will not be able to get into the top shape in time for Olympic Games,” Vlasic said. “I’m not interested in jumping below my usual level, so it is the best thing to stay home and get the healing process to the end.
“I feel this is only a minor set back in my career and I’m looking forward to many more years of successful jumping. This is my chance for a new beginning!” Vlasic won world titles in 2007 and 2009 and personal best 2.08m is just one centimetre shy of Stefka Kostadinova’s world record 2.09m from 1987.
But Vlasic had to settle for silver at the 2008 Olympics when she was beaten as big favourite on count back by Belgian Tia Hellebaud after both had cleared 2.05m.
