KAT: RIVAL’S INJURY IS A REAL SHAME

KATARINA JOHNSON-THOMPSON has revealed her disappointment at not being able to face rival Nafi Thiam on the European stage next month.

The Commonwealth heptathlon champion (below) won in the long jump at the British Indoor Championships yesterday. But Olympic, world and European champ Thiam has a calf problem and will miss March’s European Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

After winning in Birmingham with a jump of 6.46m, Johnson-Thompson wants to face the Belgian.

She said: “It’s a real shame. She wasn’t in Birmingham last year and I like to compete against her. She is going to be a fierce competitor and I am excited for the outdoors.”