Olympic injuries range from basic to bizarre

Hurt, not going - International edition

Rezazadeh, Iran, weightlifting: The super heavyweight won gold in 2000 and ’04, but is likely giving up his career because of a knee injury suffered when the vehicle taking him to a training camp was driving in heavy fog and hit a mountainside. Doctors have told him to stay home to avoid “heavy and stressful activity.”

Jana Rawlinson, Australia, hurdles: The former Jana Pittman, perhaps also remembered as “Drama Jana,” is the reigning world champion at 400 meters, but a toe injury and related problems kept her off the track for nine months. She returned in early July, posted her slowest time in eight years, then couldn’t even run a straight line a few days later.

“I haven’t been able to train for more than two days straight over the past 26 weeks, so I’m not arrogant enough to think that on that basis I’d be able to compete at the Olympics,” she said upon withdrawing.

Yulia Pechonkina, Russia, hurdles: The world record-holder at 400 meters and the runner-up to Rawlinson at last year’s worlds, she’s battling heart problems thought to have started with a cold she caught while training in Portugal.

Christian Olsson, Sweden, triple jump: Often injured since winning in Athens, he wasn’t able to recover from his latest setback, a hamstring injury during his first competition after a long layoff. He’s also had problems with a foot and thigh. Only 28, he’s frustrated enough to be talking retirement.

Perdita Felicien, Canada, hurdles: A former star at the University of Illinois, Felicien was the 100-meter world champion in 2003, then endured the agony of hitting the first hurdle at the ’04 Olympics. Now coming off a silver medal at last year’s worlds, she’s been sidelined since February by a broken bone in her left foot.

“I just feel at peace knowing that it’s come to this,” she said during a conference call announcing her decision.

Franka Dietzsch, Germany, discus: A winner of three world championships, including last year’s title, the 40-year-old Dietzsch bailed on Beijing because of a variety of health issues, including blood pressure that got so high it was considered life-threatening.

“I won’t wait for a miracle,” she told a German magazine. “The Olympics in China will take place without me.”

Ivan Cupic, Croatia, team handball: A new addition to the reigning Olympic champions, the 22-year-old had most of a finger amputated following an accident during training camp. Cupic tripped and snagged his wedding ring on a wire fence, shredding the finger.

Nathan Deakes, Australia, walk: The world champion in the 50-kilometer walk, Deakes tore his hamstring while training in Switzerland a few weeks ago.

“I’m still in a bit of shock,” he said. “I’m sure it will sink in in the middle of August when I’m watching the Games.”

Robinho, Brazil, soccer: A striker and star for Real Madrid whose groin injury will prevent him from helping his country — winner of a record five World Cups — from trying again for its first Olympic gold.

Albert Zoer, The Netherlands, equestrian: Days after winning an individual Grand Prix at a prestigious show jumping competition in Germany early this month, the medal favorite fell while training a young horse and broke a leg in two places.

Hurt, going — U.S. edition

Gay, track: Five days after running a wind-aided 100 meters that was the fastest ever clocked, a hamstring injury dropped him to the track in pain during a 200 preliminary heat. He dropped out of a tuneup meet last week — just being safe, he said — although it raised questions about his readiness.

Breaux Greer, javelin: Pink highlights in his hair, black polish on his fingernails and coming off the set of “American Gladiator, where he plays the role of Hurricane, Greer showed up at the Olympic trials with a shoulder still damaged from a throw at last year’s world championships. The eight-time national champion finished 17th, but made the team anyway through a loophole. Only two Americans met the Olympic minimum, leaving a spot open. Plus, there’s a rule allowing an injured thrower to take an open slot.

“Will he be ready for the games? I don’t know. His agent and his doctor seem to think so,” said John Chaplin, the chair of U.S. men’s track and field.

Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images Eric Shanteau will compete in the 200-meter breaststroke for the U.S. He plans on having surgery for testicular cancer after the Olympics.

Eric Shanteau, swimming: A week before the Olympic trials, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He’s putting off surgery until after competing in the 200-meter breaststroke, although doctors are closely monitoring him. He promises to bail out at the first sign that his cancer is spreading.

“By no means am I being stupid about this,” he said.

Gary Russell Jr., boxing: A 5-foot-3, 119-pounder with the punching power of someone much bigger, his blows are even more impressive considering this two-time national champion has a torn tendon in his right shoulder that will require surgery after the Olympics.

“I know that when I punch, I’m going to knock a lot of people out. I actually have more knockouts than a lot of people have fights.”

Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, tennis: Like the NBA guys, the tennis pros are accustomed to frequent injuries because of their long, lucrative seasons. Serena withdrew from a recent tournament because of an inflamed joint in her knee. Venus and Davenport missed the same event with knee problems, too. The Williams sisters won doubles gold in 2000.

Emily Silver, swimming: Rushing to the finish line in a 50-meter race at the Olympic trials, she slammed into the wall so hard she broke her right hand — just like she’s done twice before. She’s already had surgery and is practicing again, but may not be able to compete.

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