Idowu troubled by BOA’s public injury enquiry
LONDON 2012 medal hopeful Phillips Idowu is “incredibly disappointed” with the British Olympic Association over the organisation’s decision to make public their request to see his medical records.
The triple jumper’s preparations for the Olympics have been an exceptionally frustrating experience during which a foot injury sustained early last month was followed by a hip injury that prevented his participation at the Aviva Grand Prix in Crystal Palace just 11 days ago.
That he has competed on just three occasions this year has already provoked concern over his potential to win a medal but in also missing Team GB’s training camp in Portugal to undergo treatment from a private physiotherapist, the question of his ability to even be fit has ensued and had prompted BOA chief medical officer Dr Ian McCrudie to ask for Idowu’s medical records.
“He’s incredibly disappointed and surprised as to why the BOA has chosen to do this,” said Idowu’s agent, Jonathan Marks. “I can’t understand the benefit [to Idowu].
“We are more than happy to send the BOA the medical records. Our office has even had a call from a member of the BOA medical team who has also expressed surprise at the organisation’s decision to go public with the request.
“Phillips is an athlete who’s proven that if he gets to the start line then he is one of those athletes who can win a medal.”
The 2009 world champion won a silver medal at the 2008 Games in Beijing but his finest form has this season eluded him all season; leaps of 16.43m and 17.05m this season are substantially short of his 17.81m personal best.
BOA spokesman Darryl Seibel had said: “Dr Ian McCurdie wrote to Phillips asking that he provide the relevant medical records relating to his injury and treatment.”