BOA uncertain about Idowu’s Games fitness
UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee has admitted “nobody knows” if Phillips Idowu will be fit to participate at London 2012.
The triple jumper has this year competed on just three occasions because of myriad injury problems but though the British Olympic Association on Tuesday requested to see Idowu’s medical records, Van Commenee remains uncertain over whether he will compete.
“I have no details about his physical state but there is very little I can do about it,” said Van Commenee. “We have about 15 athletes in what I call the medal zone. Phillips is one of them, but we’re not dependent on one athlete.
“Statistically you don’t get 15 athletes healthy and fit and in top shape at the same time, on the start line. I always knew there would be one or two. But there is still time to go – maybe he’s in great shape – nobody knows.”
Greater clarity exists over Team GB marathon runner Dave Webb, who has withdrawn from the athletics squad after failing to recover from a stress fracture. The BOA will not be nominating a replacement.