Illness has forced Pieter van den Hoogenband (NED) to effectively withdraw from the European Championships in his home pool of Eindhoven. After failing to qualify for the semi-finals of the 200m freestyle (he was 20th in 1:49.99) the 30-year-old 2000 Olympic champion and defending European champion said: 'I am sick with stomach problems. I had even considered withdrawing from the 200m free. I didn't feel well at all yesterday during the 4x100m freestyle relay. I am very disappointed - after all, Eindhoven is my hometown.?

Coach Jacco Verhaeren added: 'It now depends on the medical diagnosis whether Pieter can continue to swim in the European Championships. The race today was one of Pieter's worst I ever saw?'.

The home hero may return briefly to help the Dutch 4x200m relay later in the week.