Andre de Grasse, the triple Olympic sprint medalist, has pulled out of the World Athletics Championships in London with injury, boosting Usain Bolt’s chances of a golden swansong.
The Canadian was expected to be Bolt’s main rival for his 100 meters crown in the Jamaican’s farewell championship but he suffered a hamstring strain in training on Monday and will miss the rest of the season.
“The entire year this 100m race in London was my focus. I am really in the best shape of my life and was looking forward to competing against the best in the world,” 22-year-old De Grasse said in a statement.
“To not have this opportunity is unimaginable to me but it is the reality I am now faced with.
“I am sad to miss this chance but I am young and with treatment and rehabilitation I will be back and better than ever in the near future.”
His manager Paul Doyle told Reuters the sprinter had suffered a grade two hamstring strain to his right leg.
