The Adelaide-based Ballarat athlete was to have pursued a fourth world championship medal in the 50km walk.

Athletics Australia announced Tallent’s withdrawal on Tuesday night.

This follows the withdrawal of his sister and fellow race walker Rachel Tallent from the championships owing to injury in the lead up to the meet.

Tallent said 2017 had been a remarkable year for him.

“On the one hand, my wife and I excitingly welcomed our son, Harvey, to the world and we could not be happier,” he told Athletics Australia.

“On the other I have been challenged in my race walking, with recurring injuries and now a hamstring complaint that will prevent me from being able to start,” Tallent said.

“The decision to withdraw is never easy, but the good news is, that I will have the chance to cheer on my wife, Claire, as she returns to international competition in the women’s 20km race.

“It will be a privilege to support her in the way she has supported me so many times before. 

“My attention also turns to recovering from what has been a difficult few months of race walking, with my sights set on challenging myself once again,” he said.

“I am not done yet when it comes to contesting for gold medals.

“The Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, the 2018 IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships and, of course, Tokyo 2020 remain on my agenda.

“I have been well supported at home in doing my best to prepare for London, my new coach, Adam Didyk, has been great and the team at SASI and Athletics Australia have worked very hard to ensure the best possible daily training environment. It just wasn’t meant to be this year.”

Tallent, has been training in Europe, will arrive in London with his wife, Claire, on Thursday.