Team Singapore weightlifter Joel Law has been withdrawn from the Youth Olympic Games competition due to medical reasons.

Joel, 17, was initially reviewed on 12 August 2010 with a pain in his left shoulder after training.

He was treated conservatively with initial improvement but his condition subsequently deteriorated.

Further investigations were performed on 14 August which confirmed a hairline fracture on his rib.

After consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Team Singapore Dr Cormac O'Muircheartaigh, his coach Mr Wu Chuan Fu, President of the Singapore Weightlifting Federation Mr Tom Liaw and Team Singapore Chef De Mission Mr James Wong, it has been decided that Joel is not medically fit to participate in the competition.

Joel is currently receiving ongoing medical treatment and will remain in the Youth Olympic Village until the Games are over.

Joel's injury was sustained during training almost two weeks ago and his condition deteriorated due to the intensive training he has been undergoing to prepare for his competition, which was due to begin on 16 August 2010 .

Said Joel: "I am very disappointed that I will not be able to represent Singapore at the YOG as I had been training close to two years for this to do my nation proud.

"Nevertheless, I am looking forward to recovering from this injury so that I can take part in future competitions. I wish the rest of Team Singapore, especially my teammate Jamie Wee, all the best in their competitions, and hope that they do our nation proud," he said.

Head of Public Relations for Team Singapore@YOG Jose Raymond added: "Joel has put in a lot of time, effort and sacrifice over the last two years in preparation for the Youth Olympic Games. It is unfortunate that his injury will prevent him from achieving his dream of trying to win a medal for Singapore at the inaugural YOG. We are certain that with his determination and hunger, Joel will return to the competition arena soon. We wish him a speedy recovery."