Penny Oleksiak will not participate in the Commonwealth Games

Swimming Canada made the announcement from Budapest, where the Canadian team is preparing for the FINA World Championships.

I was excited about competing in the World Championships, but after careful consideration, I came to the conclusion that the best option for me, in the long run, was to skip the Commonwealth Games. to devote myself to preparing for the 2023 season and the 2024 Paris Olympic GamesOleksiak said in a statement.

Swimming Canada said this decision was made after consultation with John Atkinson, High Performance Director and National Coach for Swimming Canada, and Ryan Mallette, Interim Head Coach of the High Performance Center – Ontario.

The schedule of international competition is particularly tight with hosting three world long course swimming championships in 17 months, and with this year’s addition of the Commonwealth Games shortly after the worlds.Atkinson explains

We fully support Penny in her decision to manage her long -term workload.He added.

Oleksiak, of Toronto, is Canada’s most decorated Olympic athlete in history. He won three medals at the Tokyo Games in 2021 to grow his total to seven.