Keely Hodgkinson exits in tears from UK Championships but injury fears played down

Keely Hodgkinson was emotional after pulling out of the 400m final but her camp suggested the issue was muscle tightness rather than injury. Photograph: David Davies/PA

Keely Hodgkinson’s camp moved swiftly to play down concerns after the Olympic 800m champion withdrew from the 400m start line in tears just seconds before she was due to race at the UK Athletics Championships.

Using the weekend in Birmingham as a speed-work opportunity, Hodgkinson emerged for the women’s 400m final and began the usual pre‑race strides in her lane, only to stop, grimace and slowly make her way to the side of the track. After a few seconds of thought, she crouched down and started to cry before she was led away, with the race going ahead in her absence.