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Jones Olympic hopes hit by Devers withdrawal from relay team
SYDNEY, Sept 29 (AFP) - Two-time Olympic 100 metres champion Gail Devers confirmed on Friday she could not compete in the 4x100 relay team dealing another blow to fellow American Marion Jones' hopes of winning a unique five gold medals. The 33-year-old, who pulled up in her 100 metres hurdles semi-final on Wednesday with a hamstring injury, said she had not recovered from her injury and joined 200m world champion Inger Miller, who was dropped, on the sidelines. However, US women's coach Kerryn Denis dismissed fears that the remaining squad were too inexperienced to help Jones win what could be her fourth gold of the Games - provided she wins Friday night's long jump. "The veterans have given good service but there is a time when they have to step aside," Denis said. "The youngsters will do a good job and even though Inger and Gail are not there we still have some experienced runners involved," she added. Devers, who has never won a hurdles Olympic medal despite dominating the event for the past decade, will be able to have an extra week off before taking part in the IAAF Grand Prix finals in Doha where she will pick up a slice of a 50 kilo golden bonus for winning at least five of the seven Golden League meetings.
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