Reuters/Daegu, South Korea
The withdrawal of Jamaica’s Asafa Powell from the 100m at the world championships has left compatriot Usain Bolt an even firmer favourite to add to his glittering collection of medals.
Powell, the fastest man in the world this season over the short sprint (9.78sec), and Bolt’s biggest rival for gold, was forced to pull out of the blue riband event after failing to recover from a niggling groin injury.
Also missing from the Korean showdown are American Tyson Gay, the second fastest man in the world this year, and Jamaican Steve Mullings, the third quickest, who misses the worlds after a failed drugs test.
Even in a full-strength field, Olympic and world champion Bolt would have been hot favourite to win on the big stage but it is now difficult to see where the challenge is going to come from for the world record-holder.
But Bolt himself, who is well down the list of the world’s fastest times this year with 9.88sec, has played down expectations that he will be in world record-breaking form, saying he is battling back to his best.
“This for me is a comeback season from injury. I have been working really hard this season to get back in tip-top shape,” said Bolt, the sport’s headline act. After storming to the 100m and 200m sprint double in then-world record times at the 2008 Olympics, Bolt repeated the trick a year later, setting new marks of 9.58 and 19.19sec. He also won the 4x100m relay at both events.
But an injury lay-off looks to have ended hopes to go even faster at the worlds in South Korea, which start on Saturday, when Bolt will run in the 100m heats, with the final held on Sunday evening.
The sprinter said the challenge had been getting back into shape and honing his technique, adding: “I wouldn’t say it’s 100 percent but I’m happy with where it is and I’m going out there to do my best.”
Powell’s agent confirmed on Thursday that former world record holder Powell would miss the 100m.
“Asafa is very disappointed to say the least. He was really hoping to be able to run in what was going to be one of the most anticipated races of the championships. He is still optimistic to be able to run the relay,” a statement said.
Other Jamaican sprinters to look out for include Yohan Blake, Bolt’s training partner, and Michael Frater.
The US team includes national champion Walter Dix and former Olympic champion Justin Gatlin, who returned to the track this season after a four-year suspension, although he is reportedly suffering from frostbite after treatment in a cryogenic chamber with wet socks.
Europe’s challenge will be led by Christophe Lemaitre, who won Euro gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay in Barcelona last summer, though he believes the 200m is more realistic for a podium finish.
“Jamaica can afford to replace him (Powell) with Michael Frater. And given the strength in depth there is on the 100m, it still remains tight,” he said.
WILL BE TOUGH TO BEAT: Bolt
