Injury-jinxed former British sprint champion Sarah Wilhelmy today said she was unlikely to make a competitive comeback until 2004.

The Southend AC athlete is still suffering from back pain and has all but ruled out running competitively this year.

Non-starter - Sarah Wilhelmy is unlikely to run this year Picture: ELISE GOW

Sarah -- who missed the whole of 2002 -- had hoped a cortisone injection would solve the problem.

But that has not worked -- and doctors are still none the wiser as to what is afflicting her.

She admitted: "If I do run again this year, it will probably only be in training. If the back improves then I'll jump straight back into it, but I'll still have to take it slowly.

"You have to move on and I'm currently looking at getting a job and university place. But I hope to be back for Olympic year in 2004."

Sarah's plan was always to peak in time for the Olympics in Athens and this setback is the latest in a long line of bitter injury blows for the talented sprinter, who ran in the Olympics in 2000.

To kickstart her dream, she is now undertaking treatment known as prolo-therapy.

This is a natural therapy which involves doctors injecting a sugar solution into the ligaments of the back.

It is another difficult time for the sprinter and she admits her time off the track can be frustrating.

She said: "I'm still doing upper body weights just to keep up my fitness and I'm determined to come back for Olympic year."

Published Tuesday, January 7, 2003

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