England will miss trials
Hannah England confirms that she will miss this weekend's Olympic trials in Birmingham.
Last Updated: 19/06/12 3:17pm
Hannah England, world silver medallist, admits she is taking a risk with her Olympic hopes after confirming that she will miss this weekend's trials in Birmingham.
England suffered a spike to her Achilles in Hengelo three weeks ago and will not race again until the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace in mid-July, just three weeks before the athletics programme gets under way at the Games.
The first two athletes in each event at the trials will gain selection for the Olympics, provided that they have an 'A' qualifying standard. However, a further place is available at the discretion of selectors.
Sensible
England, who won a surprise silver over 1500 metres at the World Championships in Daegu last year, said: "Of course I'm disappointed to miss the trials, last year I won there and it was the start of an incredible season.
"But I have to be sensible; if I run too early I could ruin my season. So I have to take a risk that my early-season form and multiple 'A' standards will be enough to gain selection.
"I'm in a tough event with strong competition, but I know I'm selectable as things stand now and I know I can compete at the highest level if given the chance."
Chris Thompson, European silver medallist, will join England in sitting out both the trials and European Championships in Helsinki next week as he continues his recovery from a back injury.
Under the UKA 2012 selection policy, he is also considered selectable (for the 10,000m).
