Tyler Smith has withdrawn from the waiting list for the World Triathlon Championship Series in Leeds, England, after breaking his left wrist.

Despite not automatically qualifying for a starting place as one of the top 55 elite male athletes in the rankings, the 23-year-old was hopeful of gaining a spot from the waiting list had one or more competitors opted not to race.

However, Smith has now confirmed that a previous injury to his wrist, sustained earlier this year is actually far worse than he first realised.

“Unfortunately I’ve learnt that I have broken my wrist and obviously I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to race this weekend,” said Smith, who unknowingly competed injured at the Europe Triathlon Cup Rzeszow in Poland last week and crashed during the bike discipline on his way to eighteenth-place finish.

“It actually turns out that after a race in France to start my season last month I was on a casual ride in Nice and got knocked off my bike by another cyclist on a trail in what was just a freak accident, really.

“The way I came off was an awkward landing and I thought I was OK. However, it wasn’t until last weekend when I raced In Poland that I started having some difficulties with it, and it turns out that I have a broken bone in my wrist.”

As a result, Smith has opted to return home to Bermuda to continue his recovery, as he remains determined to be fully fit in time to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, next month.

“After having a cast put on it, I made the decision to come home to look at my options,” added Smith, who is set to join Dame Flora Duffy, Tyler Butterfield and Erica Hawley in the mixed relay event.

“I’m still optimistic that I can get myself into good shape for the Commonwealth Games. It’s just been a season of setbacks, really, but I’m more than confident in my ability to navigate them and be in good shape for the Games.”