Ritzenhein Shifting Focus Away From The Marathon

The former University of Colorado standout hopes to race shorter-distance events.

According to an article posted on the Web site Mlive.com, American Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein will no longer focus on the marathon this year. This news comes as no surprise, since the 28-year-old former University of Colorado standout withdrew from the Virgin London Marathon this week due to an ankle injury.

His new plan will be making the U.S. team for the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea this August.

“The biggest focus for me will be the World Championships in August,” Ritzenhein said. “Hopefully I can qualify in the 10K like I did in the last two World Championships. Hopefully I can improve on that and get a chance to earn a medal and then shift that strength back to marathon training a year from now for the Olympic trials.”

Ritzenhein struggled with persistent injury in 2010. He finished a disappointing eighth in last year’s ING New York City Marathon and had to withdraw from the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country event. He was expected to lead the U.S. squad in the new International Team Challenge race there.

For More: Mlive.com