Injured Korean gymnast Yang Hak-seon decided on Friday to skip this year's Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
The reigning Olympic gold medalist in the men's vault won't get to defend his title in August, according to a statement released by the Korea Gymnastics Association (KGA).
Yang tore his right Achilles' tendon during a practice in March and hasn't been able to recover in time to make the team.
"Yang Hak-seon told us that in his present state, he isn't able to perform professional techniques," the KGA said in a statement. "He's gradually getting better, but he will need more treatment to become fully healthy."
The KGA said Yang has taken "a long-term view" and decided to skip the upcoming national team trials.
Yang missed the first two rounds of the trials in April and May. Then the KGA decided to give him another chance by scheduling three additional rounds this month.
Yang was required to take part in all three rounds -- Saturday, next Wednesday and July 16 -- to have a chance to qualify, but pulled out on the eve of the first stage.
Yang remains the only Korean to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics.
(Yonhap)