Athletics: Hansen sacrifices Paris in pursuit of Olympic dream

Ashia Hansen has pulled out of this month's World Championships in Paris due to injury.

Hansen underwent surgery on her Achilles in March but aggravated the injury and was prevented from competing outdoors this season.

Now she has been advised not to compete in the triple jump for fear of further damaging the Achilles.

Announcing her decision, the Birchfield Harrier insisted she would now concentrate all her efforts on next year's Olympics in Athens.

She said: "It was an incredibly difficult decision but now that I have made it I feel relieved, and can focus all my efforts on returning to peak condition in preparation for the Olympics next year."

Hansen's loss is a blow to the British team who will now be hoping that Paula Radcliffe, who is recovering from a leg injury and bronchitis, will be able to compete in Paris.

Radcliffe will inform the British selectors next week whether or not she is fit enough to be included in the British team.

The final additions to the squad are due to be announced by UK Athletics on August 12.