Usain Bolt’s torn hamstring raises Rio doubt

Usain Bolt confirmed suffering a grade one hamstring tear at Jamaica’s Olympic trials on Friday 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 100 metres after Friday night’s semifinals as Yohan Blake went on to win the trial in 9.95 seconds. Bolt had clocked 10.04 seconds to win his semifinal after a poor start.

“After feeling discomfort in my hamstring after the first round last night (Thursday) and then again in the semifinal 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,” the two-time Olympic 100m and 200m gold medallist said.

His withdrawal does not mean he will miss the Rio Olympics, where Bolt is expected to defend his 100 and 200m titles.

Unlike the United States, where the first three finishers in the trials win Olympic berths, Jamaica’s selection policy allows medical exemptions.

His coach Glen Mills told Reuters that efforts were made since Thursday night to get Bolt ready for Friday’s semifinal and final.