GB chief reports Idowu progress

British Olympic chief Andy Hunt says he is confident that Phillips Idowu will return to fitness in time to compete at the games.

The triple jumper, who earned a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, did not attend Team GB's training camp in Portugal ahead of the games, opting instead to remain in the UK and receive treatment for nerve problems in his hips and back. Controversy then reigned when the 33-year-old was asked publicly to provide a report of his medical problems by the BOA, with the organisation's request prompting an angry response from the Idowu camp. But Hunt has told members of the media today that he is confident that the Hackney-born star will line-up for Team GB when the triple jump event gets underway on August 7. "Phillips is making good progress and we expect him to compete," said Hunt. Idowu's current injury concerns are understood to originate from when he withdrew from an Aviva Grand Prix event at Crystal Palace last month at short notice.