The 37-year-old suffers from a hip stress fracture and, as the top favourite for the Ironman Hawaii, has to postpone the chance of his third title at the World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii until next year. The injury occurs exactly at the sacroiliac joint or SI joint (SIJ). SIJ is the joint between the sacrum and the ilium bones of the pelvis, which are connected by strong ligaments. In humans, the sacrum supports the spine and is supported in turn by an ilium on each side.
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| DNS for Jan Frodeno, dominator of the 2018 season. 2018 Ironman Hawaii will probably be watched by Jan Frodeno on crutches from the couch, while training in the gym, aqua jogging in the water and on the bike is likely to take place. Photo: Jan Frodeno, Instagram |
For "Frodo" the cancellation of the traditional race is a heavy blow. The DNS is also a bitter blow for the tension in the run-up to the race and perhaps also for the course of the race. Athletes like the other top favourites Lionel Sanders or Sebastian Kienle and defending champion Patrick Lange will certainly miss the absence of the best triathlete of the 2018 season, because the trio always focuses on the direct sporting confrontation with the best competitors.
In 2017, when Frodeno tried to win the World Championship gold medal number 3 on Hawaii in series, he had no chance in the end because of serious back problems in the race and was forced to a long march and finish in the top 80. A gesture that made the scene worth his while, even though he could have got out with a DNF to spare himself. In the 2018 season, Frodeno had dominated the scene so far, but a week and a half ago he had won the World Cup over half the Ironman distance in the country of his school days, South Africa.
In 2017, when Frodeno tried to win the World Championship gold medal number 3 on Hawaii in series, he had no chance in the end because of serious back problems in the race and was forced to a long march and finish in the top 80. A gesture that made the scene worth his while, even though he could have got out with a DNF to spare himself. In the 2018 season, Frodeno had dominated the scene so far, but a week and a half ago he had won the World Cup over half the Ironman distance in the country of his school days, South Africa.
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| A stress fracture in the left hip postpones the dream of the third world champion title for Jan Frodeno at least until next year. A setback for "Frodo" and of course the tension in the men's decision at the 40th anniversary of the Ironman Hawaii. Photo: Jan Frodeno, Instagram |
On Instagram he wrote in English on the early morning of September 12, 2018:
"Certainly not how I hoped this season would end. A stress fracture in my hip (SI joint)- see pic 2 for those interested. The highs and lows of sport have never been so close for me- winning a world title last week and being sidelined for the season the next. At least the @_promovement team kept the spirits going;) (last pic). Just a reminder to all of us that success never comes in a straight line... currently listening to Daft Punk- One More Time, so see you all next year ??"
