July 12, 2012
Powell out of London GP to help Olympic fitness
LONDON (AP) — Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell has withdrawn from the London Grand Prix to ensure he is fit for the London Olympics.
Powell was due to take on American rival Tyson Gay over 100 meters on Friday, but has a groin strain.
Powell says he has been “carrying some soreness in my groin since the Olympic trials and have been unable to train at 100 percent.”
In a statement from London GP organizers, he added: “I need to ensure I’m ready for the games and cannot take any risks. I will be ready in August.”
The Olympics start on July 27.
But Powell also missed last year’s London Diamond League meeting with a groin injury, which led to him missing the world championships in August.
