• London 2012 - Athletics

Idowu fit for Games - but yet to show up

ESPN staff
August 1, 2012
Phillips Idowu did not travel to Portugal with the GB squad © Getty Images
Enlarge

UK Athletics has seemingly drawn a line under Phillips Idowu's long-running fitness saga by declaring him fit for London 2012.

However, the situation remains complicated: he has not been in contact with coach Aston Moore for two weeks, according to Charles van Commenee, head of UK Athletics.

He said: "I find it bizarre. Aston finds it bizarre. We have to deal with the situation as it is presented to us. First he has to show up, and we don't know when he is going to show up. When he shows up, where he sleeps, we have no idea."

Idowu did not travel with the rest of the Team GB squad to Portugal last month for a training camp, raising fears over his participation at the Games.

Instead, the triple jumper opted to stay in London in order to continue treatment for a nerve problem in his hip and back.

The BOA demanded to see his medical records, before declaring on Tuesday he was making good progress, and was expected to compete. That stance has now been backed up by UK Athletics, and he is set to begin his campaign for gold on August 7.

Idowu, a former world champion, has been in action only three times this year, and not at all since June.

The 33-year-old, who has a personal best of 17.81 metres, won a silver medal at the Beijing Games in 2008.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices