Surin says he's saving it all for Sydney

By STEVE BUFFERY -- Toronto Sun
  Sprinter Bruny Surin, who hurt his left hamstring at the Canadian championships two weeks ago, has withdrawn from the final two major races before the Sydney Olympics.

 Bianelle Legros, the sprinter's wife/agent, confirmed yesterday that Surin will bypass the Thessaloniki event tonight in Greece and the Berlin Grand Prix on Friday. The 100-metre silver medallist at the 1999 world championships will depart this week for the Olympic team training camp in Couran Cove on Australia's Gold Coast, and head to Sydney from there.

 Legros said the hamstring is healing well.

 "He's just being careful at this point," she said.

 "He's just training and getting treatment (in Montreal) and getting healthy. Bruny just wants to make sure everything is okay and not to jeopardize his Olympics at this point. Of course he'll be ready for the Games."

 Surin, whose best time this year is 10.08 seconds, recorded on June 17 in France, is considered a medal contender in the 100 metres. He had the second-fastest time in the world last year, 9.84 seconds.

 The Montreal athlete is also a key member of Canada's 4x100-metre team. The team would stand little chance of defending its Olympic gold medal without his speed and experience.

 Relay teammate and defending Olympic 100-metre champion Donovan Bailey will compete in Berlin tomorrow. Bailey, 32, has finished eighth in his past two events, although he claims to have shut down midway through both events.

 The Oakville sprinter is trying to overcome a hamstring injury suffered early this season.