A grade one tear is classified as the most minor of hamstring injuries, usually involving only a muscle strain and just involving a few days to a week for recovery. Grade two is typically a partial tear with grade three a complete tear that might require months to heal.

Missing the meet does not end Bolt’s dream of trying to win his third consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4x100 next month in Brazil.

The Jamaican athletics governing body allows for medical exemptions if an athlete can show an injury denied a chance to compete at the trials. But Bolt must also prove his fitness and that makes his planned run in three weeks at a Diamond League meet in London crucial to proving his case.

“I have submitted a medical exemption to be excused from the 100m final and the remainder of the national championships,” Bolt said. “I will seek treatment immediately and hope to show fitness at the London Anniversary Games on July 22 to earn selection for the Olympic Games in Rio.”

Former world champion Yohan Blake won his 100m semi-final heat in 9.95 seconds with Nickel Ashmeade second in 10.01 and Asafa Powell third in 10.02.

Bolt, who set the 100 world record at 9.58, edged Senoj-Jay Givans on the line by .01 of a second.