Ghana Pole Vaulter withdraws from Commonwealth Games

Ghana's pole vaulter Jordan Yamoah  has been ruled out of the Games after sustaining hip and groin injuries.

In what is a hammer blow for Ghana, Yamoah was told that he needs more time to heal after a scan revealed the unexpected extent of the injury.

The reigning NCAA D2 national champion was hoping to be fit in time for the Games after he was initially found to have torn the inside of his groin/hip area.

But subsequent X-Ray and MRI scans found a fracture of his pelvis, leading to the decision to rule him out of the Games which starts on 23 rd July.

In March, the 20 year old retained his 2013 NCAA D2 national title in the Pole Vault by clearing 5.20m. His winning jump of 5.20 meters ranks him 1st in Africa, and 5th among commonwealth countries. He has a 2014 seasons best of 5.35m, and a lifetime best of 5.40m from 2013.

The Ghanaian Commonwealth Games medal hopeful was hoping to make his debut appearance for the national team at the games.

Ryan Dall, the Head Track & Field/Cross Country Coach at Texas A&M University – Kingsville, says Jordan is still hopeful of representing Ghana in the future.

“I'm very sorry about this.  We didn't think it was more than a strained groin muscle and were hoping that he would heal that in time to compete in Scotland. 

“He still really wants to pursue competing for you and will do his best to heal and get ready for the upcoming year and be able to represent your country in the future.  Again I'm sorry for this unfortunate news.”