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Phillips Idowu’s chances of winning an Olympic medal have been compromised by his Games preparation, says GB’s athletics chief.
Charles Van Commenee said triple jumper Idowu has not seen or spoken to his coach Aston Moore for a fortnight.
He said, “I find it bizarre. Aston finds it bizarre. We have to deal with the situation as it is presented to us.
“First, he has to show up and we don’t know when he will. When he shows up, where he sleeps, we have no idea.” Idowu, world champion in 2009, is one of Britain’s big hopes for athletics gold, but he has not competed in two months and confusion has surrounded his fitness as the days have ticked away before London. The participation of the 2008 silver medallist was called into doubt last week when he failed to attend a pre-Games training camp in Portugal.
This led to the British Olympic Association requesting medical records for a reported nerve problem in the 33-year-old’s hip and back, a decision which left Idowu “incredibly disappointed and surprised”, his agent said. The BOA’s Chef de Mission, Andy Hunt, has since said he expects Idowu to be fit for London 2012, but Van Commenee continued, “It’s not good, obviously, because I know how important coaching is.
“That’s the reason we go on camp, so athletes have 24/7 support staff.
“Phillips decided not to join and in my eyes that compromises his preparation.
“We will support him when that is needed, as we always have. UK Athletics has supported Phillips Idowu for about 12 years. Financially, a big part for that 12 years in terms of providing training and accommodation, camps, medical support, psychological support, bio mechanical support. We have paid the salary of his coach — our coach.”
Culled from The Punch Nigeria.
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Simply Cheska...
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