Meadows pulls out of European Indoor Championships due to illness
Last Updated: 10/03/15 8:59pm
World No 1 Jenny Meadows has been forced to withdraw from Sunday's 800m final at the European Indoor Championships in Prague because of illness.
Britain's Meadows, who has been suffering with a virus, said on Saturday when qualifying for the final on appeal that she would be unlikely to do herself justice in the medal race.
Meadows pulled out following a medical at the team hotel after her condition worsened overnight.
The 33-year-old said: "I'm really disappointed not to be running. I went to bed really hopeful that I could compete and knowing that anything can happen in an indoor final.
"I've deteriorated further overnight and, following discussions with medical staff and my coach, this could be one push too far.
"I would have given everything I have got in me over those four laps, but I am serious about doing well in the outdoor season this year and that has to be the bigger picture."
I just feel like having a bit of a cry and thinking when will life ever turn for me?
Jenny Meadows
Meadows has recovered from three injury-plagued years to top the world rankings this season, and she was also looking to make up for what happened at the same event four years ago when she was denied her gold medal moment by a Russian drug cheat. Meadows was awarded the title some 18 months afterwards.
Meadows added: "I just feel like having a bit of a cry and thinking when will life ever turn for me?"
