Another dramatic instalment in Merritt's athletics career

American LaShawn Merritt pulls out with a hamstring injury. Photo: Getty Images

He started his campaign as the 400-metre Olympic champion, was banned for using a penis enlargement drug and ended with a hamstring injury - LaShawn Merritt's gold medal defence is over.

In another dramatic twist to the American's athletics career, the gold medal favourite failed to complete his heat in the 400m heats on Saturday.

He lasted just 200m before he was forced to withdraw after failing to complete the race.

Merritt's journey started when he won gold in Beijing four years ago before his career was put on hold when he tested positive to a banned steroid.

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He said the steroid was in a penis enlargement pill he had taken.

As for his recent hamstring injury, Merritt said: "I've had countless hours of treatment from 8am to about 10pm..

"I hurt it in my last race in Monaco. I thought I could come out and make my way through. I'm still young and I have a long career ahead. I'm going to rest it and get ready for the world championships.

"It's Olympic year, it's what you want to get to. I had an undefeated season, things happen. I tried to go for it. It just didn't happen."

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Another dramatic instalment in Merritt's athletics career