Usain Bolt withdraws from Jamaica's Olympic trials with hamstring tear
Usain Bolt has withdrawn from Jamaica's track and field Olympic trials after suffering a hamstring tear in a 100-meter preliminary heat.
BREAKING NEWS: Usain Bolt has withdrawn from the meet due to an unspecified injury. Updates to follow. #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/DnvdsfkJ8L
— Team Jamaica (@JamaicaOlympics) July 2, 2016
"I have submitted a medical exemption to be excused from the 100m final and the remainder of the National Championships," the six-time Olympic gold medalist posted on his Twitter account on Friday.
Though his injury does not mean the defending 100- and 200-meter Olympic champion necessarily will lose his place at the Rio Games.
"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 continued.
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) July 2, 2016
According to Jamaica's The Gleaner, the Jamaican Olympics selection policy "allows for medical exemptions in cases where athletes can prove that an injury has prevented them from competing at the trials."
Bolt showed his determination to return to racing form with this tweet:
Starting the recovery process right away. pic.twitter.com/J0HuvxOfiJ
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) July 2, 2016
And Bolt's longtime rival Yohan Blake, who finished second to Bolt in the 100 at the 2012 London Games, said he was confident that the world-record-holder will be in Rio.
"No doubt, no doubt, no doubt," Blake said, via the Associated Press. "It's just a caution measure. He's good. Just being cautious."
