Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse has become the latest high profile athlete to announce his withdrawal from the London 2017 World Championships because of an injury.
The 2015 100m Bronze medallist joins the likes of 800m World Record holder, David Rudisha who withdrew from defending his title having copped a muscle injury that ruled him out.
When I read that Andre de Grasse is injured and is done for the rest of the season. #London2017 pic.twitter.com/JvW9rGPuGy
— Lolo Jones (@lolojones) August 3, 2017
It will come as a huge blow to De Grasse who was eagerly looking forward to facing Usain Bolt, as he was confident he would scupper the Jamaican’s hopes of retiring with a triumph.
In a statement, De Grasse revealed that he had a hamstring tear in training which has effectively ended his 2017 season.
After sustaining an injury this week, I'm devastated to let my fans know that I will be unable to compete in London.https://t.co/83S8RiyyLE
— Andre De Grasse (@De6rasse) August 2, 2017
The news of his withdrawal stunned many, as he had been installed as pre-championships favourite to win the men’s 200m with Bolt and Justin Gatlin not taking part.
That leaves the 200m field very open, and the African duo of Wayde Van Niekerk and Isaac Makwala would now fancy their chances of finishing on the podium in this event.
The Canadian 4x100m team will specially miss De Grasse who won individual Silver and Bronze in both the 200m and 100m respectively at the Olympics, initially helping his country to Bronze in the relay before they got upgraded to Silver following the disqualification of USA in Rio.
