World-record holder Aries Merritt will not return to defend his men’s Olympic 110m hurdles title after failing qualifying in the event at the U.S. Track and Field Trials on Saturday.
Merritt, who received a Sept 1. kidney transplant on Sept. 1 and a follow-up surgery six weeks later, won gold in his Olympic debut in London.
Merritt narrowly missed his chance to qualify for his second Olympic Games. He finished fourth just .01 seconds behind Jeff Porter.
Devon Allen, a wide receiver for the University of Oregon football team, won the race in 13.03 seconds followed by Ronnie Ash in 13.