Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association officials confirmed the news that Bolt pulled out his name just before the 100m final on Friday without elaborating the reason.
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The six-time Olympic gold medallist, who has struggled for form this season, had been entered for the 100 metres on Thursday, but his manager Ricky Simms said it had never been his definite intention to run.
Mystery and confusion surrounded Usain Bolt after he declined to race in the 100 meters at Jamaica s national trials on Thursday, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the world championships.
The 10-time world championship medalist expressed concerns after a pedestrian 20.29 to win the 200m at the recent New York Diamond League meeting where he said he ran his “worst turn ever”.
Bolt is next set to compete at the Diamond League meet in Paris on July 6. “I already told the media that coach [Glen] Mills would make a decision on Wednesday if he needed the race or if he preferred him to train ahead of Paris or Lausanne”.
He and Bolt have not raced since 2013, and despite the Jamaican’s lack of form this year, Gatlin thinks his rival will be ready come August.
Bolt, 28, appeared to be in good shape when training on earlier in the week.
Even at his lightning best, he would have a fight on his hands as two-time drug cheat Justin Gatlin last month clocked 9.74secs – the fifth fastest time in history and one-tenth of a second quicker than anyone else in 2015.
“Over the years I have been making it a real big deal and putting too much pressure on myself, so now I am going to relax and do what I am supposed to do”. Yohan Blake finished with 10.24 after a poor start.
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The semis and final take place later today.
