Fredericks latest to pull out of 200m

Former world champion Frankie Fredericks joined the growing list of sprinters who have withdrawn from the 200m at the World Championships…

Former world champion Frankie Fredericks joined the growing list of sprinters who have withdrawn from the 200m at the World Championships in Edmonton.

The 33-year-old from Namibia, who won the event in 1993, failed to make the start of his heat, withdrawing after his warm-up at the adjoining track.

Also out is Britain's Dwain Chamers despite going through to the second round after finishing fourth in his opening heat.

"I have a hamstring problem. I hope I will be able to do the relay but I am out of the 200 metres," said the 23-year-old.

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Earlier this week former 200m world champion Ato Boldon of Trinidad and current 100m champion Maurice Greene of the USA withdrew from the competition. Boldon, who failed to win a medal in the 100m final, complained of back problems.

"I just can't put it at risk, even though it is tempting with Maurice not running," he added. "It's annoying as I would love to have made up for my 100m performance but there will be other world championships for me."

Boldon, who won the 200m world title in 1997, also pulled out of his country's relay team.

"My main reason is that there are some good kids in the team and I do not want to risk their chances for a medal by pulling up injured," he explained.