KINGSTON – World record holder Usain Bolt remains hopeful of recovering in time to take part in the Rio Olympics after suffering a hamstring injury at the Supreme Ventures Jamaica Senior Championships.
Bolt withdrew from Jamaica Olympic Trials before the 100m final on Friday night with a hamstring injury.
The six-time Olympic gold medallist posted 10.04 seconds to win his semifinals and was a big favourite to win the title.
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) July 2, 2016
However, he revealed later that he suffered a “Grade 1 tear” to his hamstring and will be seeking help.
He hopes to recover to prove his fitness after submitting a medical exemption to be excused from the rest of Jamaica Olympic Trials.
“After feeling discomfort in my hamstring after the first round last night and then again in the semi-final tonight I was examined by the Chief Doctor of the National Championships and diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear,” Bolt said in a release Friday night.
“I have submitted a medical exemption to be excused from the 100m final and the remainder of the National Championships,” added Bolt.
“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.”
Bolt, who is the second fastest over 100m this season and fastest Jamaica with 9.88 seconds holds the world record for 100m, at 9.58 and 200m, at 19.19.
He is the second star athlete submit a medical exemption, joining Janieve Russell, who pulled out of the championships with a leg injury.
Which obviously means if he proves fitness, they’ll be knocking Jevaughn Minzie off the 100m team. Smh. Not good. I don’t care if it’s in the rules. Bolt should sit this one out and let Minzie run. That’s the honorable thing for St. Leo to do.