Athletics: GB sprinter Nelson lands late place in team for Osaka

Aug 17 2007 by Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo

ALEX Nelson, winner of last month’s European junior 200 metres title, has been included in the British 4x100 metres relay squad for the World Championships in Osaka.

The 19-year-old Stoke sprinter has replaced Dwayne Grant, who withdrew after a scan revealed a hamstring injury would not heal before the championships begin on August 25.

Nelson, runner-up in the 200m trial race but not chosen for that event, has already arrived at the Norwich Union-backed GB team’s preparation camp in Macau.

The Black Country athlete is the latest change made to the British side.

Emily Freeman was picked for the 200m earlier in the week when Jeanette Kwakye switched to the 100m – courtesy of a superb performance by Laura Turner at the weekend.

Turner ran a world championship ‘A’ qualifying standard in Loughborough, clocking 11.19 seconds.

With Turner and Montell Douglas holding the ‘A’ qualifier, Kwakye became eligible under IAAF competition rules and was permitted to change to her favourite distance.