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It is doubtful triple world record-holding sprinter Usain Bolt will be able to compete in the Rio Olympic Games after picking up an injury at the Jamaican Olympic trials on Friday.
The 100m and 200m world record holder got straight onto the treatment table after he appeared to have pulled a hamstring.
Bolt confirmed suffering a grade 1 hamstring tear at Jamaica’s Olympic trials, but the star sprinter expects to secure his place at the Rio Games by proving his fitness at the London Anniversary Games later this month.
Bolt withdrew from the final of the men’s 100m after Friday night’s semifinals as Yohan Blake went on to win the trial in 9.95 seconds.
“After feeling discomfort in my hamstring after the first round last night (Thursday) and then again in the semi-final tonight (Friday), I was examined by the chief doctor of the National Championships and diagnosed with a grade 1 tear,” Bolt said on his official Facebook account.
“I have submitted a medical exemption to be excused from the 100m final and the remainder of the National Championships.
“I will seek treatment immediately and hope to show fitness at the London Anniversary Games on July 22 to earn selection for the Olympic Games in Rio,” he added.
Bolt had clocked 10.04 seconds to win the first semifinal after a poor start.
His withdrawal does not mean he will miss the Rio Olympics, where he is expected to defend both his titles.
Unlike the US, where the first three finishers in the trials win Olympic berths, Jamaica’s selection policy allows medical exemptions.
Bolt’s coach, Glen Mills, said efforts had been made since Thursday night to get Bolt ready for Friday’s semifinal and final.
“We’ll see what happens between now and (the Olympics).” – Reuters
