Williamson handed lifeline

Sprint star Simeon Williamson has been thrown a lifeline to make Britain s World Championship squad, despite missing the World Trials due to a chest infection, writes Jonny Weeks. The Highgate Harriers runner, who was crowned European under-23 champion in

Sprint star Simeon Williamson has been thrown a lifeline to make Britain's World Championship squad, despite missing the World Trials due to a chest infection, writes Jonny Weeks.

The Highgate Harriers runner, who was crowned European under-23 champion in July, was forced to miss last weekend's AAAs in Manchester - which acted as the World Trials - after being unable to train properly for the past two weeks.

Marlon Devonish and Craig Pickering were picked as the individual 100m competitors to travel to Osaka, Japan. But the third place has been left open.

Williamson could squeeze in ahead of Mark Lewis-Francis or Jason Gardener.

But Williamson must perform well at the World Student Games in Bangkok if he is to have any chance.

Williamson, who ran 10.10secs at the Euro Under-23s, said: "My UK Athletics doctor said it wasn't a good idea for me to take part in the Trials and I knew straight away that meant I wouldn't make the team.

"My aims this season were the Euros, which I won, and the World Student Games in Thailand, which I'm in. To reach the World Championships would be a bonus."

The 21-year-old will compete in both the individual 100m and the 4x100m relay race over the next two weeks at the World Student Games in Bangkok.