Usain Bolt Injury: Updates on Sprinter's Hamstring and Recovery

Six-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt was forced to withdraw from the men's 100-meter dash final at Jamaican Olympic trials Friday night due to a hamstring injury, according to the Jamaica Gleaner's Andre Lowe.  

Continue for updates. 

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Bolt Diagnosed With Grade 1 Hamstring Tear

Friday, July 1

Bolt released a statement on his official Twitter account and revealed that he was diagnosed with a hamstring tear: 

However, just because Bolt was forced to withdraw doesn't mean he will be prohibited from participating in the Olympics next month. 

According to Lowe, the 100-meter world-record holder will be able to compete if the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association grants him a medical exemption, which is applicable "in cases where athletes can prove that an injury has prevented them from competing at the trials."

And as his statement indicates, Bolt has already taken the necessary steps to remain eligible for the Olympics. 

According to the Associated Press' Tim Reynolds, fellow Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell told reporters that "he expects Usain Bolt to run in Rio."

But even though Bolt could be cleared to compete in the 100-meter dash, ESPN's Josina Anderson noted his eligibility for the 200 meters could be in danger "if he hasn't met the standard for that distance." 

Bolt captured gold in the 200-meter dash at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and will likely be considered among the favorites to stand atop the podium if he's able to qualify for the event.