Irvette van Zyl withdraws from Rio marathon injured

Irvette van Zyl has withdrawn from the women’s marathon at the Rio Olympics on Sunday because of injury.

After complaining of a pain in her foot, she underwent an MRI scan which showed a stress fracture, the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) said in a statement late on Saturday night.

“She has had to be placed in a moon boot and is now using crutches,” the statement added.

Van Zyl was SA’s fastest marathon qualifier.

Lebo Phalula and Christine Kalmer are the other members of the women’s marathon team.

The race starts at 2.30pm (SA time).