The most famous runner on earth might not be on the track for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, winner of the last two 100-meter and 200-meter Olympic gold medals and the current world record holder in both events, withdrew from the Jamaican Olympic trials with a hamstring injury. His availability for Rio is now very much in doubt.
Bolt won his 100m semi-final heat on Friday night but complained of tightness in the back of his leg. He described the situation on his Twitter account:
“After feeling discomfort in my hamstring after the first round last night and then again in the semi-final tonight I was examined by the Chief Doctor of the National Championships and diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear. 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.”
A Grade 1 injury is generally considered a mild strain and can heal relatively quickly for most people. But most people do not make their living running 27 miles per hour so his recovery could be more problematic.
If Bolt is not able to run American Justin Gatlin becomes the betting favorite to take away the title of “Fastest Man Alive.”
