United Kingdom pole vault record-holder Nick Buckfield's Olympic preparations have suffered a major setback.
The Crawley athlete is recovering in hospital today after suffering a serious injury at the Lausitzer International Meeting in Cottbus, Germany on Wednesday night.
After clearing 5.70metres, 5cm above the Olympic A standard, he fell awkwardly onto his pole while attempting 5.80m.
Buckfield has had an operation on his abdomen.
Surgeons are optimistic he will resume training within three weeks in time for the Olympics in Athens.
The setback came after a good start to his preparations after he cleared the Olympic A standard of 5.65m at a British League match last weekend.
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