Pittman-Rawlinson has twice captured the world title in the 400m hurdles

Jana Pittman-Rawlinson will not defend her 400m hurdles title at next month's World Championships in Berlin after succumbing to a back-related injury.

The Australian has only raced twice since returning to the track last month after a year-long lay-off due to complications from a toe injury.

And the 26-year-old has now suffered soreness in her hamstring as a result of a bulging disc in her back.

"I haven't trained properly for six weeks and I am in pain," she said.

It is another major blow to Pittman-Rawlinson, after injury forced her to miss last summer's Beijing Olympics.

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But she admitted her preparation has been so hampered by the latest setback she will now be focusing all her efforts on getting fit for London 2012.

"When I compete I want to do both myself and my country justice by competing at a world standard, but sadly this won't be the case at the upcoming World Championships," she said.

"I will now continue treatment over the next few weeks before I head back to Australia, where I hope I can recover from this latest setback and get back on track for my long term goal and dream - winning Olympic Gold in London in 2012."

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