Sotherton may quit heptathlon to focus on running

Kelly Sotherton says her injury problems could force her to turn her attentions from heptathlon to the track. The 33-year-old former Olympic medallist was unable to compete at last year's World Championships because of a heel problem while a back injury has meant her 2010 campaign is already over.

Although Sotherton is confident of being fit for the start of next season, she is less certain about the prospect of competing in the heptathlon at next year's World Championships and the 2012 Olympics in London. Instead she may concentrate solely on the track. She said: "I might not be doing heptathlon next year or in London. A disc problem is quite severe and I just want to fit and healthy, so if I can be competitive in running then I might just do that.

"I'm certainly not setting all my hopes on a heptathlon medal at the World Championships or Olympics."