SYDNEY Australia's Jai Taurima, who won a silver medal in long jump at the Sydney Olympics, injured his knee on Saturday when the car he was driving collided with a truck near Brisbane.

Taurima's Manager Jason Coorey said the injury was not too serious but could force the 28-year-old long jumper to miss next March's Indoor World Championships in Portugal.

Coorey, who was traveling as a passenger, said Taurima would see a specialist on Monday. "With the worlds in Portugal just a few months away we can't take any risks," he added.

Taurima, a long-haired chain-smoking athlete, almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Sydney Games when he led the men's long jump heading into the final round only to pipped for gold by Cuban world champion Ivan Pedroso.

(Reuter)