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Markus Rehm, Paralympic champ long jumper, gives up Olympic bid

Markus Rehm, a Paralympic champion long jumper who has sought Olympic inclusion, has given up his bid for the Rio Games, according to track and field’s international governing body.

“Rehm … confirmed he will not be seeking selection for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,” the IAAF said in a press release.

Rehm, 27, had his right leg amputated below the knee after a boating accident at age 14.

His IPC world record of 8.40 meters would have the 2012 Olympic long jump gold medal.

The IAAF said last year that Rehm would be nominated for Germany’s Olympic team, but Rehm continued to try to prove that he was not at a competitive advantage due to his prosthetic right leg that he jumps off of.