400m hurdler Clarke breaks shoulder in training at World University Games

GWANGJU, Korea:

JAMAICA'S team at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea, suffered a major setback as 400 metres hurdler, Andre Clarke, has been ruled out of the meet due to an injury.

Clarke sustained a broken shoulder bone during a training session on Friday. He hit a hurdle and fell on his shoulder.

Clarke was taken to the medical centre at the Games Village by physiotherapist Sophia Brown, where it was confirmed that his left shoulder was dislocated.

This is the second big setback for the team, as before their departure from Jamaica last Tuesday morning, female sprint hurdler Megan Simmonds withdrew from the team after an injury suffered at the National Senior Championships, where she fell at the ninth barrier in the qualifying stage of the women's 100 metres hurdles. The team is now reduced to 10 athletes.

Except for national 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams, all members of the squad have settled into the Games Village. Williams was expected to arrive last night, as she aims to improve on her third-place finish of two years ago in the women's 100 metres hurdles.

Former Calabar High and the University of Nebraska athlete, Chad Wright, who was named captain of the team, was the country's flag bearer at Friday night's opening ceremony.

Competition in track and field will start on Wednesday (Tuesday, Jamaica time).