Mageean ruled out of Olympics with achilles injury

Ciara Mageean has been ruled out of the Paris Olympic Games because of injury.

The Team Ireland athlete's withdrawal was announced on the eve of her scheduled participation in Tuesday's women's 1500m heats.

A statement released by Team Ireland on Tuesday evening read: "In her final weeks of preparation for these Paris Olympic Games Ciara has been dealing with painful chronic Achilles issues.

"Despite every effort made by Ciara and the Team Ireland medical team, the European champion will unfortunately be unable to toe the line tomorrow [Tuesday] morning.

Mageean said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken not to be able to compete in my third Olympic Games. I gave it everything to make it possible to be on the start line, but time was against me. I want to thank everyone for all their support.”

The 32-year-old was fourth at last year's World Championships and won at the European Championships in June.

Her last outing over 2000m in Monaco on 12 July gave some cause for concern however as she tailed off last.