Jonathan Edwards: 'Phillips Idowu didn't fancy the conditions'

Triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards has played down Phillips Idowu's withdrawal from the London Grand Prix, putting the decision down to the conditions rather than injury.

The official line for Idowu's withdrawal was muscle tightness, but Edwards believes that Idowu was more likely worried about the wet conditions, similar to those in Oregon when Idowu pulled out.

Speaking to the BBC, Edwards said: "When I turned up at the track this morning, I asked myself 'Would I have wanted to jump today?' and the answer was no.

"Phillips probably didn't fancy it, but there is nothing to worry about. It's cold, damp and he doesn't want to take any risks. We will forgive him everything if he jumps well in London."

Idowu won the silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.