23 Feb 2018

Fa'amausili withdraws from Games team

11:11 am on 23 February 2018

A knee injury has forced Gabrielle Fa'amausili to withdraw from the women's freestyle relay team for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Fa'amausili will have surgery next month at the conclusion of the United States collegiate season on her left knee to repair her meniscus and reconstruct her torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Gabrielle Fa'amausili.

Gabrielle Fa'amausili. Photo: Photosport

"This was a tough decision to make, I understand how much of an amazing opportunity and honour it is to be selected to represent NZ at such a pinnacle meet, however I don't feel like I could represent our country to the best of my ability with the stress of injury on my mind," said Fa'amausili who is studying at the University of Georgia.

"I need to sit these Games out in order to have a successful freshman year here at UGA and allow time for knee surgery and recovery so I can come back in top form to represent New Zealand at future competitions," she said.

Helena Gasson (who is already selected in the 4x100m medley relay) will replace Fa'amausili on the women's 4x100m freestyle relay team.