Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

    BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Germany will miss this year's London marathon winner Irina Mikitenko at the upcoming Olympic Games after the runner suffered a back injury.

    According to the German athletics federation website on Saturday, Mikitenko decided to withdraw after a complex injury to her back and pelvis spread to her foot.

    The former Kazakhstan Olympic 5,000 meters runner, who took part in her first marathon last year in Brlin and finished second, was preparing for the Beijing Games at a training camp in Switzerland.

    German high jumper Eike Onnen is also doubtful for the Games because of a foot injury, according to the website.

    The women's marathon of Beijing Olympic Games takes place on Aug. 17.