Butterfield opts out

Nikki Butterfield has withdrawn from Sunday’s Melbourne Ironman in Australia.

The wife of Bermudian Olympian Tyler will instead be in her home country cheering on her husband in the event.

Nikki pulled out during the recent Abu Dhabi International Triathlon because of cramp during the bike stage and has still not recovered.

She said: “It’s been a very difficult decision to make. I’d really like to race in my home country, try to put together a better Ironman marathon than I’ve run in the past, and of course start to collect points for Kona.

“But nothing has gone right since Abu Dhabi when I pulled out – my back and leg are still not right and I’ve had a cold that won’t go away.”

She added: “I’m really excited to support Tyler  and to watch how the race unfolds.”