An Injured Achilles Tendon Leaves Powell Looking for Medical Exemption To Compete in London

By Adam Kopet, DyeStat Editor

Asafa Powell did not toe the line in the 100-meter final at the Jamaican Championships last weekend. Now, he is looking for an alternative path to making the Jamaican team according to Dania Bogle of the Jamaica Star.

Powell won his preliminary heat of the 100 and finished second in his semifinal. However, the former world record holder did not take part in the final because of a nagging Achilles' tendon injury.

The injury first appeared at the Doha Diamond League meeting where Powell finished second in 10.08. He withdrew from the Racers Grand Prix earlier in the month as he continued to rehab his Achilles' tendon.

Now, Powell is seeking a medical waver that would allow him to be named to the Jamaican team for the IAAF World Championships. Jamaica will have four sprinters in the 100 in London as Usain Bolt has a wild-card entry as the defending champion.

Should Powell's request be denied, the three athletes joining Bolt in the 100 would likely include Yohan Blake, Julian Forte and Senoj-Jay Givans.