Jamaica’s Powell suffers groin problem

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Former world-record holder Asafa Powell pulled out of the 100-meter final at the Golden Gala meet today in Rome because of a groin problem.

The Jamaican burst out of the blocks in his heat but suddenly pulled up and did not run in the final.

‘He’s OK, but he felt his groin cramp up and stopped running as a precaution,’ said Paul Doyle, Powell’s manager.

According to an Associated Press report, Doyle said it was a new injury but acknowledged Powell has had problems with his groin.

Powell’s Jamaican teammate, Usain Bolt, set the 100-meter world record of 9.72 seconds in New York on May 31, improving on Powell’s 9.74.

At a news conference before the Rome meet began, Powell had told reporters it was good that Tyson Gay set a world (though wind-aided) record of 9.68 at the U.S. Olympic trials. ‘I think it is always better not to have all that pressure on your back. This year for the first time all eyes will be on Bolt and Gay. ...’

-- Debbie Goffa