ANDRE DE GRASSE PULLS OUT OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

BY AYODELE ODUMADE

One of Usain Bolt’s main rivals at the London World Championships, Andre De Grasse of Canada has pulled out of the competition, due to a hamstring injury, which has ruled him out for six weeks. In a statement released he said: ‘To not have this opportunity is unimaginable to me but it is the reality I am faced with. I am sad to miss this chance but I am young and will be back and better than ever in the near future.’

De Grasse recently accused Bolt of stopping him from taking part in the 100metres at the Diamond League in Monaco. His agent Paul Doyle said: ‘On his final run of the day, Andre pulled up with what he described as “a grab” in his right hamstring.

‘He was immediately diagnosed and treated by his medical team, and returned to the hotel, where treatment continued. The next day, Andre received an ultrasound scan at the Stratford Stadium, which was diagnosed as a grade I hamstring strain of the long head of the biceps femoris. ‘The next day he flew to Munich to meet with Dr Muller Wolfhart for further advice, and potential treatment. Dr Muller Wolfhart diagnosed a grade II hamstring strain, and ruled out the possibility of Andre competing in London. 

‘It is with great sadness that we announce that Andre is pulling out of these Championships and ending his season. To say he is devastated is an understatement.’

De Grasse ran a wind-aided 9.69secs in the 100m earlier in the season. He is one of the athletes Bolt tipped to dominate the sport after his retirement.