adminUSAIN Bolt has pulled out of races in Ostrava and Paris over the next month, and the world and Olympic 100 metres champion is fast running out of time to be fit enough to compete at the Commonwealth Games this summer.Bolt has yet to commit to representing Jamaica in Glasgow but was expected to contest at least the 200 metres, after potentially running in the Diamond League meeting at Hampden Park on July 11 and 12.
But the world record-holder has taken to his Facebook page to apologise to fans for withdrawing from competitions in Ostrava in the Czech Republic and Paris, France, on June 17 and July 5 after admitting he is “not ready” to begin his European season.
Bolt missed a large chunk of training earlier this year owing to a foot injury and, although he insists he has now fully recovered from the problem, he still feels he lacks sharpness and is behind in his training programme.
The 27-year-old has competitions scheduled for later in August and “hopes to be back soon” but is running out of time to be fit enough for the Commonwealth Games. The men’s 200m starts on July 30.
Bolt said on his official website: “As reported a few weeks ago I had to miss some training in late March and early April due to a foot injury. Thankfully my foot is 100 percent healthy now and I am back in full training.
“Unfortunately due to the training that I missed I am behind where I am at normally at this time of year and will not be ready to race in the Ostrava Golden Spike meet or Meeting Areva in Paris.
“I hope to be back in competition soon but how soon will depend on my training in the next few weeks. It is important for me to take my time this year as I have three tough years ahead in 2015, 2016 and 2017 as I attempt to defend my World and Olympic titles.”
Meanwhile, double Olympic champion Mo Farah intends to compete for England in the 5,000 and 10,000m at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Farah has not raced since the London Marathon in April, when he finished eighth on his debut in the event.
The 5,000m is the first men’s track title to be decided in Glasgow, before the 10,000m takes place five days later. Neither event has heats. Farah, 31, is also the defending world champion over both distances.
He broke Steve Cram’s 28-year-old 1500m British record last year before turning his attention to the marathon.
Farah’s involvement is a boost to Games organisers, with Britain’s Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill absent because she is expecting her first baby and Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt yet to commit.
Farah is scheduled to run in a special event at the Diamond League meeting in Glasgow on July 12, with the Commonwealth Games commencing 11 days later. — Dailymail/BBC.
Online Reporter