Britain's medal hopes at the World Championships in Berlin in two months' time have been dealt a blow by the withdrawal on Friday of marathon runner Mara Yamauchi with a foot injury.
The 35 year-old, who finished second in this year's London Marathon in a personal best time of 2hr 23min 12sec, injured her right foot while training at her home in Japan.
Her absence leaves only Paula Radcliffe as a medal contender in Germany, though she is by no means certain to compete as she recovers from surgery to remove a bunion.
Yamauchi said: "After thinking it over very carefully, unfortunately I have come to the conclusion that I will not be able to race competitively in Berlin and have decided to withdraw. This was a difficult decision to make as it is always a huge honour to race in a GB vest and represent your country.
"I have been doing everything possible to help my foot to recover quickly. Although it has improved, I have concluded that there is insufficient time left to enable me to prepare properly for such a high-quality race and reach the start line in 100 per cent top shape.
"I have made a big breakthrough this year and was looking forward to the World Championships with great optimism. I will now concentrate on returning to full health, and look forward to racing again once I am back at my best."
Head coach Charles van Commenee said: "Mara is an athlete of great talent, maturity and professionalism. She was also a true medal contender for Berlin and as such we will miss her presence.
"UKA [UK Athletics] will work closely with her to be sure she is getting all the support possible to help her return to full health in the near future."
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