Sprint star Bolt to sit out rest of the season with recurring back injury
SPRINT superstar Usain Bolt has confirmed he will not race again this year after doctors advised him to rest up following an injury to his lower back.
The Jamaican double world record holder was told tightness in his back was “restricting his ability to generate power in his stride” by a medical team in Germany.
The 23-year-old suffered his first 100m final defeat in two years last week when he was comfortably beaten by Tyson Gay at Stockholm’s Diamond League meeting.
And Bolt acknowledged he needs to be in peak physical shape for next year’s world championships and the London Olympics in 2012.
“Both 2011 and 2012 are very important championship years and I hope to be back fully fit and healthy,” said the 100m and 200m world record holder.
Bolt was scheduled to run at further Diamond League meetings in Zurich and Brussels, but will now have treatment before resting ahead of next year.
“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,” added Bolt. “I would like to thank everyone for their support and look forward to coming back stronger next year.”
Agent Ricky Simms said the sprinter was taking a longer-term view on the injury.
“With a view to his future career we believe further treatment to loosen his back followed by rest will be in his best interest,” he said.