Athletics: Okoro out

Okoro: Out of Commonwealths

England's 800m runner Marilyn Okoro has pulled out of the team for October's Commonwealth Games in Delhi, while world champion Caster Semenya has been selected by South Africa.

Okoro, who was also a member of the 4x400m relay squad, has been struggling to find any form this season following a knee problem, and has also recently been troubled by a back injury.

"I am hugely disappointed not to compete at the Commonwealth Games and my decision was not an easy one to make but I have to remain focused on my 2012 dream," Okoro said.

"My body just isn't as ready as my mind for Dehli but with help and support from my coach Ayo Falola and the UKA medical team I will be back for the 2011 season.

"I wish the team the best of luck, they're a great team with lots of experience mixed with fresh young talent."

Semenya returns

Okoro won 4x400m relay bronze at this summer's European Championships in Barcelona, and also ran in the World Championship final in Berlin last year - a race won by Semenya.

The 19-year-old South African runner has been off the track for almost a year while controversial gender tests were carried out following her startling 800m gold at last year's World Championships in Berlin.

After being cleared to continue running, Semenya has won all three of her comeback races at fairly low-key meetings, and now faces her first big test at an international level.

South African Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam said: "I'm very happy to see the return of Caster Semenya to duty for South Africa.

"We have observed her progress closely since the IAAF cleared her to run and it's good to hear her say that she's focusing all her efforts on the Commonwealth.

"The fact that she's unbeaten in her three races thus far and has improved her time on each occasion is good news for our medal effort in New Delhi."