Olympic Games, London 2012

Swedish sprint diva Therese ALSHAMMAR has dropped out of the 100m freestyle on Wednesday due to a neck injury, but the 50m freestyle world champion hopes to be able to compete in the heats of the shorter event on Friday.

Alshammar, who withdrew from the 4x100m relay on the first day of the Games, was diagnosed with a herniated disc in her neck that put pressure on a nerve, causing muscle cramps and making it difficult for her to sleep, said Johan Walberg, Swedish team coach.

"Even though she has had the problem with the injury, she has decided to try for the 50m free on Friday," he said at an informal media conference at the Aquatics Centre on Tuesday.

The five-time Olympian first felt discomfort three weeks ago, but the injury was not properly diagnosed until just prior to the Games last Wednesday.

"I am happy that my rehab is going quite well," said Alshammar. "Day by day I am feeling better and better. Today I did some intensity work and I hope that tomorrow morning I can wake up without feeling worse. I am optimistic for the 50m."