Rio 2016: Usain Bolt tears leg muscle ahead of Olympics

Image source, Reuters

Super sprinter Usain Bolt has pulled out of the Jamaican Championships after tearing a muscle in his leg called a hamstring.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist suffered the injury during the first round of the 100m and pulled out after winning his semi-final race.

Injuries like this one are common for athletes, but with just over 30 days until the start of the Olympics, Usain's Rio hopes could be in doubt.

'Grade 1 tear'

"After feeling discomfort in my hamstring after the first round last night (Thursday) and then again in the semi-final tonight (Friday) I was examined by the Chief Doctor of the National Championships and diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear," Usain said on his Facebook account.

Image source, Usain Bolt

Image caption, Usain showed his Twitter followers the treatment he's having to help fix his injury

Usain is now having treatment for the tear and has told fans that he'll be ready to compete in Rio.

He's also aiming to return to the UK for the London Anniversary Games on July 22.