Athletics: Athens doubt for Johnson

Michael Johnson, who pulled up injured in his head-to-head with Donovan Bailey in Toronto at the weekend, may miss the US Championships, starting on 11 June, and the World Championships in August.

The double Olympic champion has "a severe pull in his left quadricep" according to his agent, who added: "It will be at least a week before he can train." Only the first three in each event in the US Championship will qualify for Athens.

Bailey has apologised for calling Johnson a "coward" after their 150m race. "Michael and I began this unique event as friends, but the build- up has left the friendship strained," Bailey said. "I have tremendous respect for Michael's ability and I hope the injury he sustained is not season threatening."