Jamaican super sprinter Usain Bolt has withdrawn from the June 12 Diamond League meeting in New York City because of an Achilles tendon issue, organisers said here on Monday.
Organisers of the meeting said they were notified by Bolt’s management team that the World and Olympic triple gold medallist has inflammation in the affected tendon and has been advised to rest.
Bolt, the World record-holder in the 100m and 200m, launched his IAAF Diamond League campaign in Shanghai (China) on May 23 by winning the 200m comfortably in 19.76 seconds.
On May 27 at a meeting in Ostrava, he came close to breaking Michael Johnson’s World record in the rarely run 300m.
“I developed a stiffness in my Achilles tendon last week and sought medical attention,” Bolt said in a statement released through the New York meet organisers.
“After careful consultation with Dr. Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt at his clinic in Munich, I have been advised to take a 2-3 week break as a precautionary measure to avoid risking further damage.”
Bolt had been expected to face American Tyson Gay in a 100m showdown at the meeting.
“I am well aware of the disappointment for the fans in New York and around the world, but I hope to return to New York as soon as possible,” Bolt said. — AFP