Holmes is playing it safe ahead of the Worlds

Holmes is still troubled by an Achilles injury which flared up after a race in Glasgow a month ago.

But she insists she has every intention of competing at next month's World Athletics Championships in Helsinki.

"It's frustrating to miss the trials, but I want to do other meets later on and I must be careful," she said.

Holmes, who won silver in the 800m in Paris two years ago, took the decision to miss the trials after a track session to test out her fitness on Wednesday night.

"The session told me my Achilles hasn't cleared up, and I haven't been on the track in spikes since running in Glasgow," she said.

"But I'll be in Manchester all weekend, and as I am not running, people will be able to speak to me even more than usual."

From a sporting point of view the Olympics is the best news that Britain could have Kelly Holmes

Holmes has also said she is ready to play an important role in London's 2012 Olympic preparations.

"I'm certainly look for a key role in the 2012 Olympic programme and with my retirement imminent, this is something I would like to do," she said.

"Winning in Singapore was fantastic news and I know it is going to change the lives of many people in the next seven years.