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Sotherton considering quitting the heptathlon

While Kelly Sotherton has struggled with injuries, compatriot Jessica Ennis has excelled in the heptathlon © Getty Images

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British athlete Kelly Sotherton has accepted that she may be forced to quit the heptathlon because of persistent injuries.

The 33-year-old, who won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, missed last year's World Championships due to a heel problem while a back injury has prematurely ended her 2010 season.

And, while she is confident she can overcome her injuries in time for the start of next season, Sotherton admits it is unlikely she will compete in the heptathlon in next year's World Championships and the 2012 London Olympics.

"I might not be doing heptathlon next year or in London. A disc problem is quite severe and I just want to be fit and healthy, so if I can be competitive in running then I might just do that," she said.

"I'm certainly not setting all my hopes on a heptathlon medal at the World Championships or Olympics. It's something I've spoken to my coach about. I just want to get through a season where I'm competitive and injury free. I'll try to do all the running events and maybe squeeze a few 4x400s in there but I'll just have to see what happens. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I don't want to be sat on the sidelines in London and if that means making changes to prolong my career then so be it."

The Birmingham-based athlete, who was part of the 4x400metres relay team at the Beijing Games, is adamant she still has much to offer - despite the fact her injuries almost forced her into an early retirement from the sport.

"If last winter hadn't gone so well I probably would have thought about calling it a day," she said. "But I'm still setting personal bests and I know there's still room for improvement when I have a clear run."

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