LONDON – Usain Bolt has more than Yohan Blake to worry about ahead of the London Olympics. Now he’s got an injury to contend with and likely won’t run again until the Games.
Exactly one month before the 100-meter final at the Olympics, Bolt pulled out of the July 20 Monaco Diamond League meet Thursday with a “a slight problem” that occurred during the recent Jamaican Olympic trials, his coach Glen Mills said.
The withdrawal followed the double blow of losing in the 100 and 200 to training partner Blake at the trials, a reality check before the Olympics.
Bolt was scheduled to run the 200 in Monaco in his final tune-up before the games but will now come to the Olympics after two losses.
Despite the withdrawal, the 25-year-old Bolt insisted he’ll be at the Games to retain the 100, 200 and 400 relay titles he won in Beijing four years ago in world-record times.
“I am happy to have earned my spot on the Jamaican Olympic team despite the challenge,” Bolt said in a statement. “I will be in London to defend my titles.”
U.S. finalizes roster for men’s volleyball
Olympic gold medalists Clay Stanley and Reid Priddy were among the players chosen for the U.S. men’s volleyball roster for the Games.
The roster announced Thursday by coach Alan Knipe was submitted to the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Stanley and Priddy will be playing in their third Olympics. Both were starters on the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the Beijing Games.
Also returning from the 2008 Olympic team are libero Rich Lambourne, middle blocker David Lee and outside hitter Sean Rooney.
Newcomers include outside hitters Matt Anderson and Paul Lotman, middle blockers Russell Holmes and David Smith, setter Brian Thornton and opposite David McKienzie.
Setter Donald Suxho, who played in the 2004 Athens Games but did not play in Beijing, was also named to the squad.
Status uncertain for Spurs’ Parker
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker was included on the 12-man roster for France’s Olympic basketball team despite a left eye injury that could keep him sidelined.
Parker suffered a scratch to his cornea in a fight involving singer Chris Brown and members of hip-hop star Drake’s entourage in a New York nightclub last month.
A final decision on his participation in the Olympics is expected to be announced in the coming days after Parker meets with the Spurs’ medical staff.
France will be missing Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah, who is still recovering from a left ankle injury he sustained during the NBA playoffs.
France’s first game at the Olympics is against the United States on July 29.
