Powell pulls out of London GP with groin strain to ensure he’s fit for Olympics

LONDON – Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell has withdrawn from the London Grand Prix to ensure he is fit for the London Olympics.

Powell was due to take on American rival Tyson Gay over 100 metres on Friday, but has a groin strain.

Powell says he has been “carrying some soreness in my groin since the Olympic trials and have been unable to train at 100 per cent.”

In a statement from London GP organizers, he added: “I need to ensure I’m ready for the games and cannot take any risks. I will be ready in August.”

The Olympics start on July 27.

But Powell also missed last year’s London Diamond League meeting with a groin injury, which led to him missing the world championships in August.