Dartford sprinter Adam Gemili has not been selected for the 200m at next month’s London World Championships.
Gemili, who has been recovering from a leg injury, was not given time to prove his fitness by selectors and will have to settle for a place in the 4x100m relay.
Zharnel Hughes beat the former Dartford Grammar School pupil to the wildcard spot for the 200m.
Explaining the decision to choose Hughes over Gemili, British Athletics performance director Neil Black said: “The men’s 200m is probably the event at which we have the highest quality and strength in depth.
“There are a number of athletes capable of competing at the highest level, making a final and potentially challenging for medals.
“In the circumstances we had to go on performance in the trials and recent performances and that meant that we chose Zharnel ahead of Adam.
“But Adam is a critical member of the men’s 4x100m relay team. Obviously it’s a huge disappointment for Adam but he will deal with it as he always does, professionally and appropriately.”
Gemili, 23, is a three-time European Championship gold medalist and was Team GB’s athletics captain at the Rio Olympics last summer.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article