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Back injury ends collegiate career of Oregon track star Edward Cheserek

USA TODAY Sports

A lower back strain has prematurely ended the career of the most decorated runner in NCAA history.

Edward Cheserek of Oregon.

Edward Cheserek, who won a record 17 national titles in cross country and indoor and outdoor track for Oregon, will not compete in the NCAA West Regional Championships this week in Austin, which will disqualify him for the NCAA championships June 7-10 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Oregon made the announcement Sunday.

"This is a minor injury that could potentially become worse if he runs on it too soon," Oregon track coach Robert Johnson said in a statement. "As much as Edward would like to run, it is our responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of our student-athletes and in this case, it means taking Edward out of the regional meet."

"Edward has a bright future in running and I know he is looking forward to a professional career after college," associate head coach Andy Powell said. "We had to consider the big picture when evaluating this situation. I anticipate him being able to run fast later this summer and in years to come."

In 21 career NCAA Championship finals, Cheserek — of Newark, N.J. (and a native of Kenya) — won 17, finished second three times, and was third once.

From the Oregon new release:

The senior also set the collegiate indoor record in the indoor mile (3:52.01) this season and is a seven-time Pac-12 champion, including four in cross country. His last collegiate race was the 10,000 meters at the Pac-12 Championships, which he won in 29:11.76.
 
A 21-time all-American, Cheserek is also the only three-time finalist for the Bowerman Award and was a second team academic all-American in 2015.