Stanislavs Olijars (Latvia) (© Getty Images)
Latvia’s Stanislavs Olijars who was one of the favourites for winning gold in the men’s 110m Hurdles was forced to withdraw from the World Championships here in Paris after clearing just two hurdles.
The former European indoor champion whose right thigh was evidently covered by a heavy bandage stopped his effort after the second obstacle of tonight’s heats and exited the track with hardly any emotion transpiring from his expression?
“I sustained a hamstring injury one week ago when training back home. I felt good in warm up tonight but then as soon as I started I felt a little something again so I decided not to take any risks as I want to be fit for the World Athletics Final.
“I heard Allen had an injury a few weeks ago himself and he managed to come back in time. I was kind of hoping I could make it myself as well.
“I think no one can beat a fit Allen Johnson. The other guys might just have to run for silver. He’s such a great champion.
“Disappointed? No, I was disappointed the day I injured myself. I am sober now, I kind of expected it.”
Defending champion Allen Johnson who is competing for a fourth World Championships title in Paris won his heat in 13.42 just minutes before Olijars’ withdrawal.
“Yes, I have seen his race. It is very unfortunate that he will not be able to defend his chances. I was really looking forward to competing against him in the semis or the final. I just guess it was not meant to be.”
Johnson ran the fastest and only sub 13 seconds time of the year (12.97) just short of two months ago on this same track. He was unbeaten in his 14 races in 2003 until a certain Olijars defeated him in Berlin last 10 August. He then had to pull out from the subsequent one-day meetings as a precautionary measure after a minor foot injury.
“This is my first race in three weeks. I feel very excited and very confident. I just hope I will be in the same shape as the last time I ran here in the Stade de France. I don’t feel pressure because this would be my fourth world title; I just feel pressure because I am the oldest guy out there!
“I mean, look at the Chinese fellow, Liu Xiang. A lot of people have been talking about the Olijars – Johnson race and totally forgot about him but he’s already run 13.12 in his career and he’s really strong.”
Johnson will have to look out for another of the younger competitors in the field, especially as this one will be loudly supported by the 55,000 spectators.
A European under-23 champion, Ladji Doucouré of France has improved his personal best to 13.23 this year and most importantly finished fourth at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham.
Doucouré confirmed Olijars was dealing with hamstring problems even before entering the Stade de France but refused to take this incident as a personal bonus.
“I saw Olijars was being massaged on the warm up track just before the race. You could tell something was wrong. I am very disappointed for him, it must be so hard.
“That doesn’t mean that the race will be any easier though as anything can happen in the semi finals and the final.
“Today I just wanted to make sure I was in the top two so I ran flat out. I still think I can improve on my technique especially the speed on my trailing leg. I think I can run much faster than 13.2.”
The 110m Hurdles may have lost one of his favourites today but still remains one of the most expected events.
Will old Allen be fresh enough to respond to the attacks of the younger generations?
