Bolt “should run just like everyone else “ says Rodgers

Vijay
By Vijay 2 Min Read
Jamaica's Usain Bolt, right, an United States' Mike Rodgers run in a men’s round one heat of the 100m at the World Athletic Championships at Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

EUGENE, USA – American sprinter Michael Rodgers believes Usain Bolt should run for his place on Jamaica’s team to Rio.

Bolt hurt himself during his 10.15 run in the prelims on Thursday night and again by running 10.05 in semis Friday night (July 1) at Jamaica Olympic Trials.

However, the JAAA selection policy clearly states: “Athletes who are ranked/listed in the top three in the world for their event who are ill or injured at the time of the National Championships and are granted an exemption from competing at the Championships, may still be considered for selection provided that they are able to prove their world ranking form prior to the final submission of the entries for the competition.”

Rodgers, who after running 10 flat in the prelims at the US Trials, was asked about Bolt’s situation.

“We have the toughest Trials in America. We don’t get a bye. We don’t have a medical exemption. I felt like it is a cop out,” he said.

“He should run just like everyone else,” added Rodgers, who has lost to Bolt the 15 times they met over 100m.

“But at the end of the day, he is Bolt. He is the Olympic champion, the world champion. So until someone beats him, puts him in his place, he is going to continue to do what he wants to do.”

Bolt in a statement, Friday night, said: “I will seek treatment immediately and hope to show fitness at the London Anniversary Games on July 22 to earn selection for the Olympic Games in Rio.

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