Bolt pulls out of Monaco

LONDON – Usain Bolt withdrew from his final race before the Olympics Thursday with what his coach called a “slight” injury problem following the Jamaican trials.

Bolt was scheduled to run the 200 meters at the Monaco Diamond League meet on July 20 but pulled out to have treatment ahead of the London Games.

Despite the withdrawal, Bolt said Thursday he would be in London to defend his titles.

The Olympic champion and world record-holder in the 100 and 200 meters had his right hamstring stretched out on the track after finishing second to Yohan Blake in the 200 at the Jamaican Olympic trials over the weekend. He also was beaten by Blake in the 100 meters in Kingston.

Bolt’s coach, Glen Mills, said in a statement the withdrawal was because of “a slight problem” Bolt had at the trials.

“After careful assessment I have had to withdraw him (Bolt) from the Samsung Diamond League Meeting in Monaco on July 20 to give him sufficient time to prepare for the Olympics,” Mills said. — AP