New Delhi:
A back injury and an unfavourable timing of the event forced Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt to skip the Commonwealth Games but the Olympic gold medallist said he would love to visit India some day.
"Based on the programme my coach has for me, the timing of the Commonwealth Games will conflict with preparations for next season," Bolt said in an e-mail interview.
"Normally October is the off season when athletes are resting. Since making this decision I picked up a back injury which puts me out anyway.
"I would like to come to India as I have never been there before," he added.
In June, the three-time world champion sprinter had decided not to compete at the October 3-14 Games here.
The world's fastest man, who missed the 2006 Games due to injury, instead wanted to focus on the 2012 London Olympics. Asked if his absence will weaken the Jamaican team, Bolt said, "Jamaica has a lot of other strong athletes, especially in the sprint events."
"I am not sure who Jamaica has selected. I believe there are also some other athletes who are not available due to the timing of the competition."
Nursing a back injury, Bolt said his next priority would be to resume his training next month and concentrate in World Championships besides the London Games.
"I have been off training for the past three weeks. I will start training again at the start of October. My next major competition will be the 2011 IAAF World T&F Championships.
"For me the World Championships and Olympic Games are very important and I will resume training in October to get ready for those meets," he said.
"Based on the programme my coach has for me, the timing of the Commonwealth Games will conflict with preparations for next season," Bolt said in an e-mail interview.
"Normally October is the off season when athletes are resting. Since making this decision I picked up a back injury which puts me out anyway.
"I would like to come to India as I have never been there before," he added.
In June, the three-time world champion sprinter had decided not to compete at the October 3-14 Games here.
The world's fastest man, who missed the 2006 Games due to injury, instead wanted to focus on the 2012 London Olympics. Asked if his absence will weaken the Jamaican team, Bolt said, "Jamaica has a lot of other strong athletes, especially in the sprint events."
"I am not sure who Jamaica has selected. I believe there are also some other athletes who are not available due to the timing of the competition."
Nursing a back injury, Bolt said his next priority would be to resume his training next month and concentrate in World Championships besides the London Games.
"I have been off training for the past three weeks. I will start training again at the start of October. My next major competition will be the 2011 IAAF World T&F Championships.
"For me the World Championships and Olympic Games are very important and I will resume training in October to get ready for those meets," he said.
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