LONDON 2012: Triple jumper Phillips Idowu stays home as Great Britain athletes prepare in Algarve

By Sportsbeat staff

PHILLIPS Idowu is certainly choosing a mysterious way to prepare for the London 2012 Olympics.

The former world triple jump champion, who is looking to upgrade the silver medal he won in Beijing, has barely competed this season.

And he has now confirmed he will not travel with the rest of the 72-strong British track and field team to a preparation camp in the Algarve.

The last time he was in action was several weeks ago in early June, when he injured his foot at the IAAF Diamond League in Eugene, although he did run with the Olympic torch on Saturday.

UNUSAL METHODS: Phillips Idowu in unexpected preparations for London 2012 Olympics as athlete springs for gold

He missed the Olympic trials but later claimed that was as a 'precaution' rather than because he was injured, as suggested by UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee.

Then he pulled out of the recent Aviva Grand Prix just a few minutes before competition after suffering from tightness in his left hip during his warm-up.

"In training recently Phillips has had an ongoing injury problem and we have not been able to go at things 100 per cent," said Idowu's coach Aston Moore.

“At the weekend, Phillips told me he would continue to seek treatment from a private physio in London and would not travel to prepare in Portugal, although he may join us here later.

“He is an experienced athlete who I have worked with for more than four years and we will assess the situation again in the coming days."

© Sportsbeat 2012