Gatlin out, and stops training
World and Olympic champion Justin Gatlin was to be one of the main draws of the 31st edition of Athletissima in the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise but today (9 June) the meeting director Jacky Delapierre, was informed that the joint World 100m record holder has a knee injury and will not compete in Europe before the end of July.
“Justin ran three times at the US Nationals in Indianapolis in one day and his tendon behind his knee flared-up,” said Gatlin’s manager, Renaldo Nehemiah. “He told me that he could not run. This precaution is necessary to avoid aggravating the problem for the rest of the season. He will not run until the end of July. Justin is disappointed. This is the second meeting from which he has pulled out. Rest is now the most important thing. He has now stopped training.”
The organisers made an approach to Asafa Powell, the other half of the World record holding duo, to see if he could step in as a last minute replacement.
“Asafa felt that his body is a bit tired after his Paris Golden League win in 9.85,” confirmed Paul Doyle, Powell’s manager. “We had not scheduled Lausanne. It takes a lot on his body. The groin is healed but his body needs rest. The meeting organizers have been very nice to Asafa and did much for him but three days between Paris and Lausanne is too short. I confirm that he will compete in Rome next Friday and then Stockolm.”