Burgin to withdraw from Birmingham 2022 following injury

Team England’s Max Burgin has been forced to withdraw from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games through injury.

The Halifax Harriers athlete was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) whilst in Oregon, United States, with the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team for the World Athletics Championships.

Max, coached by his father Ian, pulled out of his 800m heat on Wednesday with what was initially believed to be a calf strain in his right leg, but after further investigation turned out to be DVT.

He said:

“It’s gutting to have now missed out on two major champs over a medical issue that came out of nowhere. It just seems like terrible bad luck, but I’m sure soon my fortunes will change and I’ll be competing regularly at future champs, having the success I know I can achieve.”

The 20-year-old added:

“This (DVT) is something that can be fixed easily and relatively quickly. I’m aiming and looking forward to representing my country again soon.”

Kelly Sotherton, Team England’s Team Leader for athletics at Birmingham 2022, said:

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with Max and his family, and we wish him a quick and full recovery. Max was a real medal hope for Team England in Birmingham, and all of us as a team, feel desperately sad for him that he won’t get the opportunity to demonstrate just what a brilliantly talented athlete he is in front of a home crowd in Birmingham. Max is still only 20 and has a very promising career ahead of him. We wish him all the very best for future success, including, I’m sure, at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Australia.”