Lewis forced to pull out

Olympic champion Denise Lewis has pulled out of the World Championships in Canada.  

The 28-year-old withdrew less than 15 hours before today's start of the heptathlon in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium after a long-term stomach problem flared up.

Lewis came down with the problem at the team hotel on Wednesday night.

"Obviously I am very disappointed and sad not to be able to take part in the heptathlon here," said Lewis.

"I have been working all year towards these World Championships and it is a bitter blow to come so far and not be able to set foot on the track.

"I guess this is just a part of life and I'll be doing my best to get myself fit and well again as the season is not over."

Lewis has been troubled with the stomach problem for several years, though it had never affected her so close to a major championships.

"I have been suffering from a stomach problem which I have had off and on over the last 10 years," she added.

"I'm not sure what brings it on and have never had it at a major championships before. I will certainly be getting it properly checked out so that this doesn't happen again."

Sally Gunnell, like Lewis an Olympic champion and the last British woman to win a World Championship gold medal over 400 metres in Stuttgart eight years ago, said: "Isn't it a shame but these sort of things happen in athletics.

"Denise had a lot to lose if she competed here not fully fit. I'm sure she will have thought long and hard before coming to her decision. You don't want to let your team mates down. But if you're sick you must do the right thing."

Lewis is third Olympic medallist to pull out of the championships, which will severely hamper British hopes of picking up the target of around six medals in Canada.

Katharine Merry, who won bronze in the 400 metres, and 200m silver medallist Darren Campbell both withdrew through injury.