• London Olympics 2012

Okoro backtracks on quit threat

ESPN staff
July 9, 2012
Marilyn Okoro no longer plans to retire © Getty Images
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Team GB runner Marilyn Okoro has dropped her threat to quit athletics after being overlooked for the 800m at London 2012.

Okoro, the No. 1 ranked British athlete in the event this year, was overlooked for this summer's Olympic Games in favour of Lynsey Sharp - who won the recent UK Trials - although she was selected as part of the 4x400m relay squad.

Angry at that snub - Okoro, unlike Sharp, had achieved the Olympic 'A' standard for the event - the 27-year-old had initially threatened to quit the sport but, after taking some time to reflect on her disappointment, she has now softened her stance.

Okoro was one of 11 track and field athletes to appeal against their non-selection - but only men's 800m runner Gareth Warburton proved successful.

"I may have lost my appeal to run my 800 but I'm thankful to be on my way to my second Olympic Games," Okoro said on Twitter.

Okoro's form has improved in recent weeks - on Thursday she broke Kelly Holmes' British record for 600m at a meeting in Liege, running 1 min 24.36 seconds.

She is believed to be vying for the final spot in the 4x400m squad - with Shana Cox, Christine Ohuruogu and Perri Shakes-Drayton expected to fill three of the four places.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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