Okoro Hints At Retirement After Shock Omission

4 JUL2012

Following scottishrunningguide.com's Runtalk interview with Marilyn Okoro, the athlete has missed out on selection for the 800m at the London Olympics and has now suggested that she may retire from athletics. She has, however, been named in the 4x400m relay squad for the games. The news comes as a shock, as Okoro has posted three Olympic A qualifying times in the 800m over the last few months - her time of 1:59:33 in Holland making her the fastest UK runner over the distance this year.

UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee said of Okoro's decision: "She indicated she would quit, but I want to see how that goes in the next few days. I don't expect an athlete to be rational after receiving the news that you are not part of your favourite event."

Former Olympic champion Denise Lewis has said she is 'shocked' by the exclusion of Okoro as well as Jenny Meadows and Emma Jackson, calling the selection process a 'farce'. Lewis, who won the heptathlon gold at the Sydney Games in 2000, says she is 'really disappointed' with the selection committee because they are 'not sending the strongest team'.