Hurdler Natasha Danvers-Smith was hoping to win an Olympic medal

The 26-year-old, who last year married her American coach Darrell Smith, said she was initially devastated.

"I could have won a medal at the Olympics. I would have had money and recognition - something I have been aiming at for years," she said.

But she is now upbeat about motherhood, saying: "I am really happy and hoping that everything is fine with the baby."

The Shaftesbury Barnet star only found out she was pregnant after going to see her doctor following a disappointing start to her season.

Because I've made what I think constitutes a sacrifice, this child will be very special Natasha Danvers-Smith

She had previously insisted success at the Olympics was her top priority before starting a family.

"I am sure a lot of women go through all this. A lot keep up their career. Some start a family," she said.

"It's not just that I'm pregnant at a time I wouldn't pick for myself, I'm going to have watch the season go by.

"It could have been another year but because I've made what I think constitutes a sacrifice, this child will be very special."