Jamaican team withdraw from World Athletics Relays over COVID-19 restrictions
Friday, 23 April 2021
Organisers of next month's World Athletics Relays have been dealt a major blow following the withdrawal of a star-studded Jamaican team due to travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Two-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah and former 100 metres world record holder Asafa Powell were among a string of stars set to represent Jamaica in Silesia in Poland.
But the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has confirmed the 39-strong team will not be able to take part at the event, scheduled to run from May 1 to 2.
The JAAA said COVID-19 restrictions had made travelling "extremely challenging" for the Jamaican athletes and officials, so pulled out.