Merlene Ottey in action in the women's 100m heats (© Getty Images)
A hamstring injury just thirty metres into yesterday’s 200 metres semi finals not only ended Merlene Ottey’s appearance at an unprecedented seventh consecutive Olympic Games, but it ended the 44-year-old sprinter’s season as well.
“A six-hour examination at the Athlete’s village on Wednesday discovered a partial hamstring rupture in Merlene’s left thigh,” said Dr. Rasto Stok, a physician for Slovenia’s Olympic delegation, adding that the injury may require surgery.
Her trainer Srdjan Djordjevic said the Jamaican-born Slovenian will now undergo 14 days of rehabilitation before a decision is reached on whether she will undergo surgery. After the race, Ottey said she had intended a 100 percent effort in the race to ensure entry into the final.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
