Anxious wait for Merry

Katharine Merry is waiting anxiously to receive the results of recently-taken blood tests before deciding when she will next race.  

Merry is the fastest 400 metres runner in the world this year and favourite for the gold medal at the world championships in Edmonton.

But she has not raced for a fortnight after winning for her country in the international match against the United States.

Merry established herself favourite with a time of 49.59 seconds when winning in Athens at the beginning of June.

And she refuses to panic about her chances in the world championships in Canada.

But at the same time the 26-year-old Midlander will not rush back into action until the stomach problems she suffered before Glasgow and her illnesses since have been clearly diagnosed.

Merry was a spectator at the trials in Birmingham, opting to watch pal Ashia Hansen in the triple jump rather than her domestic rivals pitch their 400m bids for Edmonton.

Merry said: "At the moment I'm just planning everything from day to day.

"I've had my blood tests but not yet received the results of the tests.

"They think the virus is a glandular problem but I'm waiting for confirmation."

With few races available before the world championships begin on August 3, Merry added: "I should have the test results in midweek.

"Then, depending what they are, I will make up my mind whether to compete in next Sunday's London Grand Prix.

"I will not rush the decision."