UK Athletics announced that the 32-year-old was expected to be selected for the Games in the French capital, but he has declined the opportunity "following the outcome of detailed scans and tests." Pozzi, who won the World Indoor 60m hurdles title in Birmingham in 2018 and the European Indoor 60m title in 2017, expressed his disappointment.

"After missing the 2023 season with serious injury, I have battled exceptionally hard to return to the world stage and earned my place at what would have been my fourth Olympic Games," he wrote in a social media post. "Unfortunately, as I continued to build and improve upon my 13.23s clocking in Montgeron, my body gave way in training to another serious ankle fracture."

Pozzi added that injury had been his "greatest competitor" throughout his career and that he was "most proud of the resilience I've shown and the achievements I've amassed following such heartbreaks." His personal best in the 110m hurdles was 13.14 seconds which actually came in Paris. 

He represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the Olympics in London 2012, Rio 2016, and the postponed Tokyo Games in 2021. "I have decided that now is the right time for me to retire from professional athletics," said Pozzi.

"This is a profoundly sad moment, but also one that I can embrace fully with the knowledge that I have approached every minute of my time in this sport with uncompromising focus, resolute determination and the highest of standards."

Great Britain will now rely on the talents of Tade Ojora to compete for medals in Paris. The 24-year-old secured gold in the 110m hurdles at the British Athletics Championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023, leading to his selection for his Olympic debut this year.

Despite having previously beaten Pozzi, Ojora's personal best, an assisted 13.16 seconds last year, falls just short of his compatriot's record. Nonetheless, he aims to peak in Paris when the men's event begins on 4 August.

Coached by Malcolm Arnold, the former trainer of Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson, Pozzi has been denied the glittering farewell he likely envisioned. However, his departure may provide up-and-comer Ojora with the chance he needs to shine this summer.