Idowu to miss Commonwealth Games

Phillips Idowu will not defend his Commonwealth Games triple jump title because of concerns about safety in India.

The head of England's Commonwealth Games team demanded guarantees of safety after a day of chaos in New Delhi which saw the collapse of a bridge to the stadium. The incident left 27 workers injured, five seriously, and comes three months after India's anti-corruption watchdog warned of possible suspect building practices at a number of Games venues.

Although Idowu's agent Ricky Simms insisted that no official decision had been made, 31-year-old Idowu used his Twitter account to say: "Sorry people, but I have children to think about. My safety is more important to them than a medal."

There are also real fears that some teams may pull out of the Games due to the state of accommodation in the athletes village, which has been described as "filthy".

When pressed on the decision by a follower who said they were "disappointed", Idowu responded: "Which is why I apologised.

"I understand people will be disappointed that I will not be competing. I am disappointed.

"If you know me as an athlete you will know these games mean alot (sic) to me. It's the champs in which I won my 1st medal.

"And four years ago won my 1st gold, which kicked off the success I have in my career to date.

"All the press today about bridges collapsing and 23+ people being hurt, floods and unhabitable (sic) living conditions, getting my daughter ready for school this morning and seeing all of that put me off.

"I can't afford to risk my safety in the slightest."