Olympic 100m champion, Marcell Jacobs, has withdrawn from the Kip Keino Classic in the last minutes due to intestinal problems.
The organizers of the event confirmed that Jacobs pulled out after he was hospitalized with intestinal complications on the eve of the competitions.
The Italian sprinter was set to face off with Olympic 100m silver medalist, Fred Kerley, and Africa's fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala.
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“Marcell Jacobs will not race this afternoon in Nairobi in the 100 meters.
“This is the decision that the Olympic champion made this morning with his staff, in light of the gastrointestinal problems,” the Italian federation noted.
His coach confirmed that the athlete will not be participating in the final track event of the day at Kasarani Stadium.
“Marcell will not be able to show up at the starting blocks today because he is still under observation in the emergency room of the Ruaraka Uhai Neema Hospital, managed by the Italian NGO World Friends.
“We would like to thank the staff and doctors, Gianfranco Morino and Washington Njogu, who have been very attentive, friendly and professional with Marcell and with all of us.
“We also thank the staff of the Embassy of Italy, in particular the security officer, who have given us assistance in this whole affair,” his coach noted.
The Italian sprinter is also the World Indoor 60m champion and has in the past competed with Omanyala at the World Indoor Tour meet in Lievin, France.
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