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Injured Powell out of World Championships 100m

Asafa Powell will now have to focus on next year's Olympics in London © Getty Images

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Asafa Powell has been forced out of the 100 metres at the World Championships after picking up a groin injury.

Powell has been in red-hot form this season and had spoken positively of toppling world record holder Usain Bolt in the 100 metres at the weekend.

Earlier in the week he had given a bullish interview about his form, claiming it is the first time he had headed towards a major championship at full fitness. But it appears his injury jinx has struck again, as he has been forced to bypass the 100m in Daegu, South Korea this weekend.

A statement from Powell's agent Paul Doyle read: "Asafa Powell has officially withdrawn from the 100m event in Daegu citing a continued groin strain. Powell suffered a groin strain in Budapest on July 30 and has had recurring tightness and pain ever since.

"After Budapest, Asafa missed eight days of training before he could attempt to sprint again. When he returned to the track he was able to sprint but it caused the groin to flare up.

"He has received all sorts of treatments over the past two weeks in the hope of being prepared to run the 100m here in Daegu but today Asafa made the final decision not to run. He feels he would not be at 100% and may have trouble coming back after each round.

"Asafa is very disappointed to say the least. He was really hoping to be able to run in what was going to be one of the most anticipated races of the championships. He is still optimistic to be able to run the relay."

Michael Frater will replace Powell in the Jamaica team, and he felt sympathy for his colleague. "I didn't come here expecting to run the 100m but unfortunately Asafa couldn't make it," Frater said.

"For Asafa it is really sad," world record holder Bolt said. "Many people were saying Asafa was going to get this one. With him dropping out it takes a bit out of the 100m and also with Tyson Gay not here, but personally for me there are seven other guys who will be in the final who think they can win.

"I wish Asafa a speedy recovery and hope he has a 2012 without injuries."

There is still a chance Powell, who leads the world rankings this year with 9.78, could feature in the 4x100m relay later in the week.

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