Doyle unableto defend UKtitle

Perth-born athlete Eilidh Doyle’s continued recovery from an injury will stop her from defending her British 400m hurdles title in Birmingham.

The 31-year-old picked up an injury during the World Indoor 400m final in March.

Doyle has until July 22 to prove her fitness for selection for the European Championships in Berlin in August.

Having managed the injury throughout the Commonwealth Games, Eilidh has spent the time since rehabilitating with the British Athletics medical team.

The hope was to return to full fitness for the European Championships.

Eilidh said: “I’m really gutted to not be able to defend my title. The British Championships has always been a really important event to me and is something I always factor into my race schedule.

“It’s always a really proud moment to stand on the podium and be crowned British champion.

“With that said, I’m really looking forward to being there in person and taking the rare opportunity to experience the weekend as a spectator.

“The great weather forecast and a number of the events looking really competitive will make for a great championships.”

On her injury she said: “The last few weeks have gone well. I’ll continue to work hard during my rehabilitation and am confident I’ll be in good shape should I gain selection for Berlin this summer.”