Coventry athlete Marlon Devonish has ended his bid for Olympic glory after failing to qualify for the semi final of the 200m.

In a tough field he was only able to finish in eighth place in 20.82.

He narrowly came through his first heat with a late burst, and revealed that he had been carrying an injury in training.

Devonish, who runs for Coventry Godiva Harriers, said:

“At the Gold Coast I got a little injury in my hamstring. It’s the first time I’ve put it on the track.”

His only hope of a medal now is by playing a part in the men’s 4x100m relay team.

Last year he ran an excellent third leg after being drafted into the silver medal-winning team in Seville.

But this year he faces increased competition, with many sprinters in excellent form.

Dwain Chambers will be looking for some reward from these games after being edged out to fourth in the men’s 100m.

Jason Gardener has had a suspect season, but Christian Malcolm and Darren Campbell have both today showed themselves to be in excellent shape, setting new personal bests in the 200m.

Campbell won the AAA championships in the 200m in Birmingham, and today became the third fastest British 200m runner ever in 20.13.

Devonish revealed that he was unhappy with his third place at those trials, blaming complacency in a race situation after two months’ training in California.

And he said he knew that there would be no easy ride in the relay team.

Devonish said:

“There are eight of us out here and only six can run so the competition is strong.”