Sáblíková withdraws from 3000 m race due to illness

Czech speed skater Martina Sáblíková could not compete in the 3000 metres at the Winter Olympics in Milan on Friday due to illness, the Czech Olympic Committee said. The three-time Olympic champion said she is struggling to breathe and has a fever, and was advised by doctors not to start. Calling it the toughest decision of her career, the 38-year-old apologised to fans in a social media post. Sáblíková, a seven-time Olympic medallist, is competing at her final Games and is still expected to take part in the 5000 metres next Thursday, as well as the 1500 metres later in the programme.