Powell forced to withdraw from showdown against Bolt and Gay in Stockholm due to injuries

Powell withdraws from Bolt, Gay showdown

STOCKHOLM — Asafa Powell says he has been forced to withdraw from a race against Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay at the Diamond League meet in Stockholm due to injuries.

In a statement at his management’s website late Wednesday Powell said he was “absolutely devastated” to miss the 100 meters against his rivals, which would have been their first encounter since last year’s world championships.

He said he “was really looking forward to the race against Usain and Tyson, but that the injuries would make it difficult “to even finish the race.”

Asafa sustained a minor groin injury in the Paris Diamond League in July. He said that although that injury healed over the ensuing days, a back and hamstring problem developed instead, causing severe pain.