London 2012 Olympics: De Vos confident that Idowu will ‘do very well’

UK ATHLETICS chief executive Niels de Vos expects Phillips Idowu to do “very well” at London 2012, even though head coach Charles van Commenee said he does not know if the triple jumper will be fit. Van Commenee also said he had considered deselecting the Beijing silver medallist, who has arranged medical treatment in London rather than attend the UKA training camp in Portugal.

“I think what Charles was saying is actually once someone has been selected, the only thing you can do if you have concerns is to deselect them and clearly it would be a nonsense to deselect someone of Phillips’ standing and ability,” said De Vos.

“I am very confident Phillips will be fit. He is a very experienced athlete. He has won Olympic medals, world medals; he is preparing in the best way he sees and I am sure he will be there, and if he is ready, which I believe he will be, I think he will do very well”

Idowu has not competed since 1 June and is having treatment on a trapped nerve which is causing problems in his left hip and knee. His agent said the 33-year-old was “incredibly disappointed and surprised” that the British Olympic Association made public a request to see Idowu’s medical records, a request which was complied with on Thursday.

“I believe they [the BOA] did ask to see them and that’s absolutely fine,” De Vos added. “Everyone is working 
together to make sure Phillips does the best he can.”