News Archive

Kelly Holmes issued the strongest hint yet that the chances of her

competing in next month's IAAF World Championships in Helsinki are

looking very slim. Holmes who has not raced since winning a 1500 metres

race in Glasgow on June 5, announced her withdrawal from last weekend's

Norwich Union World trials in Manchester.

"I didn’t compete at the trials due to a persistent Achilles problem

which keeps recurring," said Holmes whose training has been severely

restricted.

The double Olympic champion added: "I'm frustrated because obviously I

was hoping to go for a 13th or 14th title. But I don't want to risk any

further damage by running on my leg," the injury causing her withdrawal

from last month's European Cup First League match and an international

meeting in Cork two weeks ago. I haven't even been in spikes since

Glasgow," said Holmes who has had Achilles problems with her right leg,

some requiring surgery, for the past eight years.”

"They're looking less and less likely, but I still haven't ruled them

out," admitted Holmes about her fitness to line-up in Finland's Olympic

Stadium where the Championships begin on August 6. She will however ask

the selectors to provisionally name her in the Norwich Union GB side

over her Athens gold medal winning distances of 800m and 1500m. Holmes

said: "To be honest I can't even contemplate what event I would do,

because without training I won't be doing anything. I'll have to leave

my options open