Janka takes time out to recover strength

Swiss ski hope Carlo Janka has left the world championships to recover at home after appearing exhausted at the end of a training run on Thursday.

He has decided not to compete in the downhill and super-combined in the German resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but intends to be back to defend his title in the giant at the end of next week.

The decision was not a surprise after Wednesday’s super-G when he reported that he felt “drained”.

Janka’s form has suffered since a mysterious viral infection in the last two summers.

A statement issued by the Swiss Ski Federation (Swiss Ski) says that tests in December had shown variations in his heartbeat, which the Swiss Olympic doctor said could be caused by the viral infection.

Since the condition presented no danger to his health, Janka, with the support of a number of cardiologists, had decided to postpone more thorough tests until the end of the season.

Janka is one of Switzerland’s most successful skiers at present. He currently holds the overall World Cup and was one of the hot medal favourites at Garmisch.