SOUTHAMPTON diver Peter Waterfield has reluctantly decided not to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next month (October, 2010).

The 29-year-old made his decision following recent concerns about the safety of the venues and the conditions within the athletes’ accommodation for the Games, which take place from October 3 – 14.

Peter, who won the first medal for Great Britain at the 2004 Olympics, said: “I am very disappointed that I will not be taking part in the Commonwealth Games and my decision to pull out of the event has been one of the hardest that I have had to make in my diving career.

“I have attended two Commonwealth Games and three Olympic Games in the past, so I always knew that the living conditions would be basic, but I do not want to put myself at risk in Delhi.

“I have a wife and two young children who were very concerned about me attending the event and this decision is one that we have made as a family. I hope that people will understand and respect this.”

Peter was due to compete in the 10 metre individual dive and the 10 metre platform synchronised dive events at the Commonwealth Games. All of the diving events will take place from Sunday, October 10 until Wednesday, October 13.

Peter added: “My decision to pull out of the Commonwealth Games has been especially hard because I am probably in the best form I have ever been in at the moment.

“I was hoping to add to my gold and silver medals from the 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games respectively, and was also very excited about showing off my new dives.

“I would like to wish all of the British athletes who do attend the Games the very best of luck.”