World record holder Usain Bolt pulls out of Shanghai meet citing fatigue, risk of injury

Usain Bolt pulls out of Shanghai meet with fatigue

BEIJING — Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has pulled out of a meet in China this month, citing fatigue and the risk of injury.

The reigning Olympic and world champion in the 100 and 200 meters had been due to compete in the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix on Sept. 20, but will instead end his season early.

“The season has been long and has been challenging with early challenges I faced,” Bolt said Friday in a statement apologizing to Chinese fans.

“In addition, the risk of injury becomes greater and if I compete in the shape I am in, I may be at great risk.”

Bolt had earlier pulled out of a Sept. 25 meet in South Korea. He will compete in this weekend’s World Athletics Final in Thessaloniki, Greece, before returning home to rest.