Usain Bolt’s struggle with injury and poor form is “just a phase,” says teammate Asafa Powell

PARIS (AP)_ Usain Bolt‘s Jamaica teammate Asafa Powell believes the world record holder’s struggle with injury and poor form is “just a phase” and not the beginning of the end for the sprinter.

However, Powell also suggests it might be wiser for Bolt not to try to defend his 100-meter crown at the world championships next month.

Powell says on Thursday “if he’s not 100 per cent then I think he should focus mainly on the relays or the 200 … but hopefully he can get back in shape and feel like his old self.”

Bolt pulled out of Saturday’s Diamond League meeting in Paris with a blocked joint in his left leg.

Powell adds “we all get injuries. I’ve been injured for years and I’m still running fast.”