”Bolt is qualified for ….”

Contrary to report elsewhere, two-time Olympic Games sprint double champion, Usain Bolt, is qualified for medical exemption in the men’s 200m.

A local newspaper quoted a Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) senior official, as saying Bolt would not qualify for medical exemption in the 200m because he has not run that event all season. The comment attributed to the official was denied in another newspaper.

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.”

The selection criteria for 2016, listed “ranking in 2015; best performance in 2015; Indoor and outdoor performance in 2015” as the time period for athletes world ranking to be considered by the selection panel.

It also said athlete(s) would have to “satisfy the Association at the time of team selection that the athlete is in satisfactory physical condition to warrant selection.”

Bolt in a statement said: “I have submitted a medical exemption to be excused from the 100m final and the remainder of the National Championships. 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,” added the world record holder for 100m (9.58) and 200m (19.19).

Bolt first hurt himself during his 10.15 run in the prelims on Thursday night and again by running 10.05 in the semis on Friday night.

“After feeling discomfort in my hamstring after the first round last night and then again in the semi-final tonight I was examined by the Chief Doctor of the National Championships and diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear,” explained Bolt.