THE WORLD'S fastest man, Jamaica's Asafa Powell, has pulled out of the 100m dash at the World Athletics Championships, which start on Saturday in Helsinki.Powell, who broke the World 100m record in a blazing 9.77 seconds on June 14, pulled up with a groin injury two Fridays ago at Crystal Palace, London.
Doctors said he suffered a two-and-a-half centimetre rip in his muscle.
Powell flew to Munich, Germany for treatment from homeopathic specialist Dr. Müller-Wohlfhart.
However, he has lost his race against fitness ahead of the World Championships.
Bruce James, president of MVP Track Club, said the doctor has recommended that the athlete pull out of the 100m.
"The MVP management is not going to take any chance. His health and the health of other athletes is our number one priority and we are not going against the doctor's advice," James told The Gleaner.
Meanwhile, it is possible Powell may take part in the 4x100m relay.
However, his agent, Paul Doyle, said he won't be taking any chances.
"Asafa will not step on the track in the relay or any other meet until we are a hundred per cent sure he is healed and a hundred per cent fit.
Doyle said if the 100m was towards the end of the Championships, "we would be very optimistic of his chances".
Team manager Ludlow Watts said he couldn't confirm who would replace Powell.
He explained that after the trials, Ainsley Waugh who finished fourth, did not qualify at the time, so Patrick Jarrett was entered.
Waugh has since met the mark. Watts said this will be reviewed by the coaching staff when they arrive in Helsinki.
