Donovan Bailey to end career at World Championships

Donovan Bailey, the former world record–holder and 1996 Olympic champion at 100 metres, will run the final race of his career at the World Championships in Edmonton despite painful bone spurs in both heels.

Following a painful victory in the 100 at the Canadian championships in June, Bailey wasn't sure if he would be up to competing at the worlds.

"I'm happy that I'm competing, for sure, but it would be good if I was completely healthy," Bailey said today. "But it's my last race, so why not do it at home?"

After competing with a bone spur in his right heel at the Canadian championships, an ultrasound showed a second smaller spur on Bailey's left heel.

"The large one is on my right heel because I was compensating so much," Bailey said.

While Bailey hopes therapy will help reduce the stress on the injury, he knows he will be battling pain at Edmonton.

"When you're a runner and you can't walk, it becomes a problem," he said. "Every step I take, I'm going to be in pain."

Bailey, who will undergo surgery for the spurs after the season, said being on home soil might help make the discomfort more bearable.

"It's going to be special just to be at home," he said.