Usain Bolt Out Until 2011
Jamaican sprinter and world record holder Usain Bolt has withdrawn from competing for the remainder of the 2010 season. The decision came after a medical exam revealed a strain on Bolt's lower back.
While in Munich on Monday, Bolt's doctor warned the sprinter and his trainer that further racing this year could put inordinate strains on his leg muscles.
Bolt's agent Ricky Simms shared the doctor's diagnosis of the athlete's back in a statement.
"He has a tightness that restricts his ability to generate power in his stride and continuing to race in this condition could risk injury to his hamstrings or calf muscles," Simms said.
2011 and 2012 Championships in Mind
The decision with withdraw from competing comes during a season that contains no international tournaments where the 23-year-old is eligible to compete.
The Jamaican instead has his eyes set on next year's World Championships in Daegu and on the 2012 Olympics in London. Bolt is the defending champion in both competitions.
He has previously said that it is his long-term aim to defend both the 100 and 200m World and Olympic titles. To do so, Bolt will need to be fully fit in 2011.
"2011 and 2012 are very important championship years and I hope to be back fully fit and healthy," Bolt said on Monday.
"I would like to thank everyone for their support and look forward to coming back stronger next year."
Season Ends After First Defeat
The decision means bolt will miss the reputed Brussels and Zurich Diamond League Meetings this season.
"I am very disappointed to miss two of the top meetings on the circuit, but trust that it is better for me not to take any risks this year," Bolt added.
The exam did bring some positive news, as it showed that the Achilles tendon injury Bolt has been troubled by has finally healed.
That injury led to Bolt making only four starts this season, the final of which came in Stockholm last Friday.
In that race, Bolt was unable to find his rhythm once out of the starting blocks and finished second after US sprinter Tyson g*y. It was Bolt's first 100m-defeat in over two years.
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