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Page last updated at 12:26 GMT, Wednesday, 25 August 2010 13:26 UK

Marilyn Okoro pulls out of Commonwealth Games squad

Commonwealth Games 2010, Delhi
Dates: 3-14 October Coverage: Watch live each day on BBC TV, Red Button and BBC Sport website (UK only); Listen on 5 live sports extra

Perri Shakes-Drayton

Okoro helped Britain win relay bronze in Barcelona earlier this month

World Championship 800m finalist Marilyn Okoro has pulled out of England's team for October's Commonwealth Games because of injury.

Okoro has been struggling for form since returning from a knee injury and has now developed a back problem.

Okoro, 25, said: "My body just isn't as ready as my mind for Dehli."

She was also part of the 4x400m relay squad for the Commonwealths after helping Great Britain claim bronze at the European Championships this month.

Okoro, who also reached the semi-finals of the 800m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has vowed to return for the 2011 season as she aims to reach peak fitness for the 2012 London Olympics.

606: DEBATE

"I am hugely disappointed not to compete at the Commonwealth Games and my decision was not an easy one to make but I have to remain focussed on my 2012 dream.

"I wish the team the best of luck. They're a great team with lots of experience mixed with fresh young talent."

Okoro's place in the 100-strong England team has been taken by Nick Leavey, who was drafted into the men's 4 x 400m relay squad.



see also
British women win relay bronze
01 Aug 10 |  Athletics
Britain celebrate Euro medal haul
02 Aug 10 |  Athletics
GB's Euro medal haul
01 Aug 10 |  Athletics
Meadows and Okoro make 800m final
17 Aug 09 |  Athletics
Athletics on the BBC
21 Apr 11 |  Athletics


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