Nick Notten withdraws from Australian race week following medical advice

Nick Notten had been contemplating this difficult choice for half a year, but it was only at the eleventh hour that he could finally make it official. The reigning 2021 World Champion announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Shaw and Partners WA Race Week in Australia, mere hours before his scheduled flight. The South African athlete has endured persistent fatigue since April. The underlying cause of his season-long struggle remained a mystery until Monday afternoon, when blood test results finally provided clarity. Notten recounted his doctor's explanation: "My GP confirmed the results showed a positive reading for Epstein-Barr Virus, indicating glandular fever." He further explained, "Other blood markers pointed to viral fatigue, and the strong recommendation was to significantly reduce activity and rest for the remainder of the year. I've decided to follow this advice." Expressing his disappointment, Notten added, "This is incredibly difficult. I've eagerly anticipated this event for three years, especially with international competitions resuming. It's truly a pity to miss out."

A stellar career and recent challenges

Notten had a remarkable year in 2021, securing the ICF World Championship, the esteemed Pete Marlin, and the renowned Cape Point Challenge. In his surfski World Championship defense, he placed tenth, followed by a sixth-place finish at the Pete Marlin upon returning to South Africa. He also participated in the canoe marathon World Championships, competing in the K2 event alongside Andy Birkett, this year's K1 champion, though they did not complete the race. These recent outcomes were notably below his typical high performance level. Despite maintaining his usual positive demeanor, he confessed to experiencing a sense of relief upon finally understanding the cause of his struggles. "Initially, there's a feeling of vindication, like 'I'm not imagining things'," he chuckled. He elaborated, "Fatigue...

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