By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterTHE MANAGEMENT of Usain Bolt is at odds with authorities in charge of a national camp called ahead of next week's World Junior Championships in Italy.
Just under a week ago, Bolt, the World Junior 200-metre champion and record holder, was named in Jamaica's 33-member squad called to the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education to prepare for the July 13-18 Coca-Cola/IAAF World Junior Championships in Grossoto, Italy.
However, up to yesterday morning when The Gleaner visited the camp, Bolt was still absent.
Bolt's personal manager, Norman Peart, said his athlete was given a choice whether to join the camp or not.
"I had informed the camp's management of him not being there," he said.
However, Jamaica's World Junior team manager Alfred Francis said as far as he knew, Bolt wasn't exempted from the camp.
MADE A REQUEST
"I had made a request to his management team for him to be here. However, I have not heard any explanation for his absence," said Francis.
Peart pointed out that with Bolt coming off an injury it would be best for him to work with his personal coach, Fitz Coleman.
"He needs the attention of his personal coach. He knows where he stopped and where to pick up," explained Peart, who said Bolt is doing well.
With Bolt's ability to run on both relay teams, the World Junior team management believes he should have been at the camp to work on baton changes with his teammates, which is key if Jamaica hopes to medal.
Unconfirmed reports are that Bolt is scheduled to leave the island tomorrow for London but will join the Jamaican team in Italy next Tuesday, two days after the team's arrival.
EARLY DEPARTURE
Peart refused comment on Bolt's early departure and Francis said he was not aware of such a move.
"I am not aware of any travel plans apart from the one I have made, which included everyone," Francis concluded.
Bolt is expected to make his first appearance since his World Junior record-breaking performance 19.93 run at April's Carifta Games in Bermuda.
Bolt, the only athlete to produce a sub-20 clocking over the 200m distance within the last two years, will be joined by Anneisha McLaughlin, who won silver in Kingston two years ago, as the only individual medal winners in the 33-member party.
BOYS: André Wellington, Carlington Morgan, Joseff Robertson, Kawayne Fisher, Kevin Stewart, Leford Green, Markino Buckley, Michael Gardener, Nesta Carter, Patrick Lee, Renaldo Rose, Rohan Phipps, Usain Bolt, Wilbert Walker.
GIRLS: Althea Duncan, Anneisha McLaughlin, Janika Mortell, Jody-Ann Powell, Kayann Thompson, Keisha Brown, Kimberly Smith, Maris Wisdom, Monique Morgan, Nadina Marsh, Nickesha Anderson, Nyoka Cole, Peta-Gaye Beckford, Schillonie Calvert, Sharneter Stewart, Sherene Pinnock, Sonita Sutherland, Tracy-Ann Rowe and Trishana McGowan.
