Torrence Withdraws

Top U.S. sprinters Gwen Torrence and Gail Devers, both of whom got to the World Championships with unprecedented wild-card invitations, will not defend their individual titles.

Devers, hampered by a sore right calf muscle, won’t try for a third consecutive gold in the 100-meter hurdles, U.S. women’s coach Gary Winckler said.

But Devers will anchor the 400-meter relay team.

Torrence, the 100-meter world champion, pulled out of the meet because a knee injury slowed her preparations.