Day 4 Prelims Scratches: Madden and Cox Withdrawn from 1500m Free

Day 4 Prelims Scratches: Madden and Cox Withdrawn from 1500m Free Two standout swimmers, #5 Michael Madden and #11 Austin Cox, have withdrawn from the 1500m freestyle preliminary heats at the ongoing national swimming competition. Madden, a seasoned veteran, was expected to challenge for a medal in the event. Cox, a rising star, had also shown strong form in the lead-up to the competition. The reasons for their withdrawals were not immediately disclosed. However, it is speculated that Madden may have suffered an injury or illness, while Cox may have opted to focus on other events in which he has stronger chances of medaling. Their absence from the 1500m free will undoubtedly increase the chances of other swimmers, such as #2 Jake Foster and #4 Grant MacArthur. It also opens up the possibility for an upset victory by a lesser-known competitor. The 1500m freestyle preliminary heats will take place later today, and the top 16 finishers will advance to the finals scheduled for tomorrow.Madden, Cox Among Day 4 Prelims Scratches at 1500m Freestyle Following Day 4 of prelims at the 1500m Freestyle event, swimmers Kieran Madden and Brendan Cox have withdrawn from the competition. Madden, who holds the American record in the event, cited a lingering shoulder injury as the reason for his withdrawal. He had qualified for the finals with the third-fastest time in the morning session. Cox, who won a bronze medal in the event at the 2016 Olympic Games, did not provide a reason for his withdrawal. He had qualified for the finals with the fifth-fastest time. The withdrawals leave a gap in the field for the finals, which are scheduled for Day 5 of the competition. The remaining contenders will vie for medals in the highly anticipated race.