IAAF World Youth Championships 100m gold medalist Odail Todd of Green Island High School has been pulled from further participation at the 102nd ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships.Observer Online, Michael McIntosh, coach of the Green Island team said they took he decisions after consultation with team physician Dr Garfield Campbell and “out of an abundance of caution.”

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Todd, who won the 100m gold and 200m silver in France last year, was a favorite to medal in both the Class 1 sprints here but false started in his 200m semis finals on Thursday night.

Todd had the second fastest time in the 200m first round- 21.33 seconds and also won his 100m first round yesterday in 10.75 seconds.

McIntosh said the 18 year-old complained of pain in the back of his left knee hours before the second round of the 200m race and said the cool conditions leading up to the semi-final also made the situation worst.

“Odail could run if we really wanted him to, McIntosh stressed but added that after the medical consultations last night and again today, they decided that pulling him was the best option.

McIntosh said Todd’s withdrawal would affect his school’s points significantly as he was also down to anchor their 4x100m relay team that has run the fastest time of the year so far 40.50 seconds at the Western Relays in February.

There are some positive news however as Todd who won the Under 20 Boys 200m at CARIFTA Trials a month ago will be able to travel with the Jamaican team to the three day championships in Hamilton, Bermuda next week.

“Dr Campbell said he would be OK to Bermuda, which along with the World Junior Championships later this year are the main focus,” McIntosh said.