Bolt in good spirits

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Sprint king Usain Bolt is said to be in good spirits despite being forced to close his 2010 season almost a month ahead of schedule due to a problem he discovered in his lower back region almost a week ago.

The 23-year-old was advised to call time on his on-track activities for the rest of the season after meeting with noted physician Dr Hans MŸller-Wohlfahrt in Germany on Monday, days after losing to American rival Tyson Gay in the 100m at a Diamond League meet in Stockholm, Sweden - his first defeat in over two years.

As a result, it is now common knowledge that the 100m and 200m world record holder will be missing from action at the upcoming Weltklasse Zurich and Memorial van Damme, Brussels Diamond League meetings, which are both scheduled for later this month.

Zurich meet

Bolt was expected to run a relay leg at the Zurich meet before facing off once again with Gay in Brussels for what was a highly anticipated rematch.

The athlete's long-time manager Norman Peart told The Gleaner yesterday that the Olympic and World champion is currently receiving treatment and that though disappointed, he is doing well particularly because of the fact that there were no major championships scheduled for this year.

"I haven't spoken to him since Monday but he is quite fine," Said Peart. "Though his season has ended earlier than expected, the good thing is that it's not like he was getting in shape for a World Championships or some other major meet; if that was the case, I'm sure he would clearly be in a different mindset."

Peart added that the main focus now is to get the athlete rested up and ready to go for next year's IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

"He is getting some rest now, so he will just have to put everything behind him and get back into training when his programme for the World Championships starts later this year," Peart added.

Further disruption

The manager pointed out that the athlete was not injured, but was rather advised to get some rest in an attempt to erase the risk of him hurting himself. He also pointed out that this further disruption to his training regime would make it impossible for him to return to full fitness ahead of the two planned assignments and would also expose him to injury.

"This condition would have taken him out of training for at least four to six days. Being out of training for that period would limit his chances of coming back at a high level and might even risk injury as well," said Peart.

Bolt, who will now enjoy an early break, will turn his attention to several promotional activities such as his book launch in London, England, which is scheduled for August 31- September 2, as well as additional activities in Australia.