Britain’s 10,000m champion withdraws from Berlin due to injury.

Charlotte Arter has been forced to pull out of this week’s European Championships after being unable to overcome an ankle injury in time.

Arter gained automatic selection for the Great Britain team after victory at the Highgate Harriers’ Night of 10,000m PBs in May and was set to compete in the 25 lap race in Berlin on Wednesday (Aug 6).

“I’ve been battling ankle impingement over the last few weeks and even with a cortisone injection it just hasn’t settled in time,” said the Welsh athlete in a statement on social media. “At the moment it’s a struggle to easy run let alone race 25 laps of the track!

“Such unfortunate timing and absolutely gutted not to be racing, but hopefully many more opportunities at major champs will arise over the next few years.

“For now, it’s time to rest up and take a break, then get back to it ready for the rest of the year!”

RELATED: Charlotte Arter makes fast running a fine art

Alice Wright is now Britain’s sole representative in the women’s 10,000m, while Chris Thompson, Andy Vernon and Alex Yee compete in the men’s race.

Meanwhile, GB team captain Dai Greene has withdrawn from the 400m hurdles. Greene, who had battled back from injury to make the championships, pulled out just before Monday’s (Aug 6) heats due to a tight hamstring.

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