Christian Taylor asked USATF to not compete at USAs in order to be smart with his body

Christian Taylor passed on his jumps at the USATF Outdoor Championships in order to “play it smart” with his body. The defending Olympic and world champion has a World Championships wild card heading to London. Taylor told reporters that he made a request to USATF to not compete in the championship, but the rule mandated that he enter. 

“I’ve won every meet this year. I’m definitely healthy, but it’s definitely unfortunate. Every time I compete I want to put on a show, but this time I had to play it smart,” Taylor said. "I want to bring home to the U.S. a medal, and that’s what everyone’s fighting for.”