Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson has been forced to withdraw from the 800m heats at the World Indoor Athletics Championships due to injury.
The 20-year-old was considered one of the favourites to take the gold medal in Belgrade after placing second in the 800 m at the Tokyo Olympic Games last year.
Hodgkinson was due to race in the 800m heats later on Saturday, but British Athletics have confirmed that the national record holder will not compete owing to a quad injury.
"Unfortunately, @keelyhodgkinson has withdrawn from today's 800m heats due to a quad injury. Rest up Keely - we can't wait to see what you can do this season ❤️," a tweet read.
Following her withdrawal, Hodgkinson said: "I am in great shape so it is obviously a shame not to be competing here in Belgrade, but we decided to take this precautionary step. I'm really pleased with my indoor season and it gives me a lot of confidence," as quoted by Athletics Weekly.
Hodgkinson broke the British women's 800m indoor record with a time of 1:57.20 in Birmingham last month - placing her sixth on the all-time fastest list.
Ben Knapton
