Elias needs knee surgery at the end of the season

The Welshman, famed for his colourful hairstyles, says his body cannot cope with the physical demands of the discipline.

He has now set his sights on becoming a world force in the 400m flat.

"I'm physically quite slight compared with a lot of guys I run against," Elias told BBC Sport.

"My body isn't the toughest or strongest to put up with the pain you've got to go through for the 400m hurdles.

"I've spoken to my coach about it and I'm going to sit down at the end of the season and really think about my future.

I really want to prove my fitness to get in the 4x400m relay team Matt Elias

"I think I will be switching over, but I'm not entirely sure yet."

A knee injury means Elias will not jump a single hurdle for the remainder of the season.

But he will be able to run the 400m flat, and has set his sights on qualifying for the World Championships in Paris.

Daniel Cains is so far the only Briton to qualify for the event, and Elias has until 11 August to run under 45.55 seconds.

"I'm racing in Crystal Palace on Friday and I'm really going to go for it. I'm not putting any pressure on myself, but I'm going to have a go," he said.

"But even if I don't qualify, I really want to prove my fitness to get in the 4x400m relay team and then really challenge the Americans."