Ottey out of women's 200m finals

Former Jamaican great Merlene Ottey was eliminated in the women's 200m semifinals at the 28th Olympic Games here on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old, now representing Slovenia, failed to finish her race in heat 1 of the semifinals due to an injury.

"It is nothing serious," she said. "I just felt something in my left gluteus. It is the same area where I had surgery last year. I hope it heals fast and I can be back on the track soon. I was actually really hoping to make this final, so this is disappointing for me."

Christine Arron of France was also knocked out of the finals after finishing seventh in heat 1.

"I was satisfied with the race, it was the maximum I could achieve tonight. The 200m was a bonus for me. Now I will concentrate on the relay."

Jamaica's Veronica Campbell led the field with a personal best time of 22.13 seconds.

"I am very pleased with this time, but I will get better. It is possible to have two Jamaicans on the podium in the final of the 200m. That is really possible."