MASON
NATIONAL HIGH jump record holder Germaine Mason will miss the 10th IAAF World Championships which begin tomorrow in Helsinki, Finland.
Mason, who holds the national record with a leap of 2.34 metres informed the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) earlier this week of his decision.
Juliet Cuthbert, the JAAA's press liaison officer, told The Gleaner that Mason informed the JAAA management that he did not feel he was fit enough to compete against the world's best and he is believed to be returning home.
Mason, the Pan American gold medallist, has been going through a slow rehabilitation process since injuring his knee last year.
Mason, who is coached by Stephen Francis, finished fifth at the 2003 World Championships in Paris.
The Gleaner has also learnt that Melaine Walker has pulled out. It was said she has summer classes at the Texas University.
Star sprinter Asafa Powell was scheduled to join the team last night in Helsinki but he is reportedly still in Germany receiving treatment on his torn groin muscle.
