Idowu happy to keep low profile before Olympics

Olympic silver medallist Phillips Idowu insists injury problems are not the reason for his low profile in the run-up to the London Games. British triple jumper Idowu hasn't competed for six weeks and has been in action only three times in 2012, with his last appearance coming in Eugene, Oregon on June 1. The 33-year-old struggled to hit top form with leaps of 16.43 metres and 17.05m before seemingly injuring himself when he fouled with his third attempt. He took no further part in the competition and withdrew from meetings in Oslo and Paris and the Olympic trials in Birmingham. When UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee declined to clarify Idowu's situation due to issues of medical confidentiality, it raised fears about the athlete's fitness going into the Olympics, which start later this month. But Idowu, the 2009 world champion, will be back in action in the London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace and he is adamant his lack of competition was merely an attempt not to jeopardise his chances of Olympic success. "I have not mentioned anything about an injury to be honest, so no-one has heard the words come out of my mouth, or from my coach, or any of my team," he said. "So I have let that rumour mill stir itself and it has given me an opportunity to focus on my preparation for the Games, which I feel has gone really well. "In Eugene I pulled out after the third round because it was raining and I slipped on the board. You hit the board, your foot slips, and it kind of sends the fear of God through you. I didn't want to take any chances. "I didn't want to jeopardise my chances at the Games by competing when I wasn't in tip-top form. "I triple jump, so I am always feeling aches and pains. It is Olympic year so I don't want to do anything to jeopardise my chances of performing in the best possible shape that I can be. "They call me the invisible man. It has worked in my favour, especially with it being such a big year. I am glad that I have had the time to focus on the work that I need to do to go out and perform really well."