Olympic 400 metres champion Cathy Freeman said today she had pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in England to look after her husband who has cancer.
Freeman said her husband, American sportswear executive Alexander (Sandy) Bodecker, has a tumour in the back of his mouth and needs chemotherapy and radiation treatment for 5-7 weeks.
Freeman said she would remain in Melbourne where she would continue training but had cancelled her European racing schedule.
"This has obviously come as a complete shock to both Alexander and myself," she said. "At the moment my highest priority is to remain by my husband's side, and to give him as much love and support as possible".
However, she did not totally rule out possibility of running in Manchester. "If I am really fortunate I might run in the relay in Manchester. We'll just have to wait and see".
AFP