Katarina Johnson-Thompson will not defend her Commonwealth Games heptathlon title after withdrawing from Team England's squad. Her bid for a historic third consecutive Commonwealth Games title is over before it has even begun.
Prioritising European Championships
Johnson-Thompson is thought to have prioritised her bid for a first-ever European title in Birmingham next month and will be replaced by Niamh Emerson. The prospect of two home major championships in the space of a fortnight always meant difficult choices for British athletes. These Games were originally scheduled for March until Australia withdrew as hosts and Glasgow stepped in with just 18 months' notice.
Other notable absentees
In addition to Johnson-Thompson, fellow Olympic medallists Dina Asher-Smith, Daryll Neita, Amber Anning and Matthew Hudson-Smith have all now confirmed they will miss the Games, with the team for the Europeans due to be named on Monday. Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson has always said Glasgow was not part of their plans for this season.
Emerson's comeback
Selection for Glasgow continues a remarkable comeback year for the 27-year-old Emerson, who completed her first heptathlon in eight years in April. Emerson, who was previously mentored by Jessica Ennis-Hill, was tipped as the sport's next big thing after winning the world junior title in 2018, the same year she claimed Commonwealth bronze on the Gold Coast.
Relay replacements
Asher-Smith is replaced by Renee Regis in the 4x100m relay squad, joining her sister Alicia, a member of the 4x400m team. Their selection comes 36 years after their father, John Regis, and mother, Jenny Stoute, both won Commonwealth gold in Auckland.
Team England statement
"I wish the athletes the very best of luck in their recoveries and with the opportunities ahead during the rest of their seasons," said athletics team leader Scott Grace. "This is a fantastic opportunity for athletes who are in excellent form to step into Team England and represent their country on the world stage. We are excited to support these athletes in Glasgow over the next couple of weeks."
Headliners Hunt and Hunter Bell
Team England's athletics squad will now be headlined by world medallists Amy Hunt and Georgia Hunter Bell, who pulled out of last weekend's Diamond League meeting through illness. Hunt, who won 200m world silver in Tokyo, will compete in the 100m in Glasgow before doubling up in both sprint events in Birmingham. "I think I'm always a bit of a dark horse going into championships, so no matter what's happened during my season, people should never write me off," said Hunt. "At Christmas I wrote down my goals, and now I'm starting to think, 'Wow, maybe we can chase those.'"
