Track stars will regret missing Commonwealth Games, say organisers

England’s Alexandra Bell and Laura Muir of Scotland after coming through the 800m heats. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

The Commonwealth Games’ stayaway stars will regret missing out on glory in Birmingham, defiant organisers have insisted.

Four world champions from Eugene have swerved the Games, including the women’s 100m gold medallist, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who is in Birmingham to train but has chosen instead to race in Europe next week.