Injury puts England out of Olympic trials

Hannah England admits she could be risking her Olympic chances by missing the Team GB trials in Birmingham this weekend.

The world 1500-metre silver medallist damaged her Achilles when spiked in Hengelo three weeks ago and is skipping the trials to recuperate and ensure her whole season is not wrecked as a result. England is not expected to race again until the Aviva London Grand Prix in mid-July, only three weeks before the athletics programme starts at the summer's Olympics, and she is hoping her dream of competing is not wrecked by injury. The first two finishers at the Team GB trials will gain Olympic selection, if that have an 'A' qualifying standard, but selectors can grant a further place at their discretion and England is hoping she has done enough already this year to get a spot. "Of course I'm disappointed to miss the trials, last year I won there and it was the start of an incredible season," she said. "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." England added: "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."