Former world record-holder Asafa Powell has pulled out of tonight’s London Diamond League with a groin injury.
The Jamaican sprinter had been billed as one of the meeting’s headline performers, but Powell – who leads this year’s world rankings with 9.78 – is reluctant to risk causing further damage to the niggling groun injury just weeks before the World Championships.
Initially it was hoped that he would face American Tyson Gay, but the US record-holder cut short his season several weeks ago after aggravating an injury at the US Championships.
After arriving into London on Tuesday to prepare for his race at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre tonight, the Jamaican sprinter was this morning forced to withdraw from the competition.
“I’ve had some tightness in my groin since Budapest, I had hoped that it would have cleared by now but it’s still there. I’ve been seeking treatment but had to make the decision today to withdraw. I am focusing on Daegu and as much as I’d like to run tonight, I just can’t take the risk with the major championships three weeks away,” Powell said.
“This is a tough decision as I always love to run in London, the fans here are incredible and I want to thank them for their support.”
A handful of Powell’s compatriots – including Yohan Blake, Nesta Carter and Michael Frater, who have all gone below 10 seconds this year – had been added to the field following Gay’s withdrawal.
Although the race is now lacking a standout performer, it should still be a competitive one.
Just heard that. hope he gets better soon.