Spanish swim queen Belmonte confirms Kazan absence

Top Spanish swimmer, Mireia Belmonte confirmed on Sunday that she will not be competing in the World Swimming Championships currently held in Kazan.

The woman who won two medals in London in 2012 and three in the Barcelona World Championships two years ago, has been hampered by a shoulder injury this year.

Belmonte, who also holds five short course world records, had hinted earlier in the week that she was doubtful over her participation and those doubts were confirmed when she wrote on her Twitter account that "Finally, I will not go to the Kazan World Championships. I have tried until the final moment, but the injury won't let be 100."

Belmonte had said that her health was more important than competing in Kazan and added that she would not dedicate herself to "recovering my shoulders completely and to start working with Rio 2016 in mind."

She ended with a message of thanks to her supporters and by wishing good luck to the Spanish team: "with the work they have done, I am certain they will get some great results," she said. Endi