British distance runner Jo Pavey believes that missing the World Athletics Championships in Beijing will benefit her chances of earning a place at next year's Olympic Games.
The European 10,000m champion is entering the latter stages of her career, and the South-West athlete hopes that the extended break during the summer will enable her to produce improved performances ahead of the Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The 41-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "If I were to compete in Beijing and Rio, it would mean three summers in a row with lengthy periods focused on championship running.
"I feel this is not a good balance for my kids so I am going to stay at home. I trained extremely hard during 2014 and I believe if I push as much again this year, I will increase the risks of not being at my best for 2016."
Pavey finished in seventh place in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the Olympic Games in London in 2012.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
