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Denise Lewis: 'Phillips Idowu's injury drama shouldn't overshadow Games'

Lewis: 'Idowu, Van Commenee clash'
© PA Photos
Denise Lewis hopes that the controversy surrounding triple jumper Phillips Idowu will not overshadow the athletics action at London 2012.

Former British heptathlon gold medallist Denise Lewis has called for the controversy over Phillips Idowu's fitness to be put on the backburner.

The British triple jumper was an early doubt for the athletics action at London 2012 after reportedly suffering a nerve problem in his knee.

Following the British Olympic Association's request that Idowu hand in his medical records, reports emerged suggesting that the relationship between the 33-year-old and UK athletics coach Charles van Commenee had become strained.

"Phillips Idowu and Charles van Commenee is one of those things where their personalities just clash," Lewis told the BBC.

"Phillips likes to do things his own way. Charles is very headstrong, sets high standard and expects the athletes to fall in line. We have to be careful it doesn't overshadow everything else in the Olympic Stadium."

It is understood that Idowu will be fit for the track and field events, which begin today.

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