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Kirsty fails in Commonwealth bid

00:00, 20 June 2002

updated: 10:31, 20 June 2002

WALDERSLADE javelin thrower Kirsty Morrison has been left out of England’s team for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester next month.

Morrison, who won a bronze medal at the last Games in Kuala Lumpar four years ago, failed to impress selectors during the official trials, also in Manchester, last weekend.

She has been in excellent form elsewhere this season and broke the Kent Championships record at Crystal Palace in May with a throw of 55.01m.

But at the weekend she could only finish fifth with a disappointing 49.67m in an event won by Salisbury thrower Kelly Morgan, who broke the three-year-old British record with a huge effort of 63.03m

The selectors opted for the first three in the trials - Morgan, Karen Martin and Goldie Sayers - who all threw over 55 metres and achieved the qualifying standard.

Several Kent qualified athletes have been selected, including Steve Backley who will be going for a remarkable fourth Commonwealth title in the javelin.

Anthony Whiteman from, Bearsted, Maidstone, will be hoping to improve on his bronze medal from Kuala Lumpar in the 1,500m, while Kelly Holmes, from Sevenoaks, is selected for the 800m and 1,500m.

Julie Dunkley (Shaftesbury Barnet), from Dartford, is an exciting young prospect in the shot putt.

Two other young stars have also been given their chance to shine. Tosin Oke tackles his first major Games in the triple jump, while Vernicha James is included in the 4x100m relay squad.

The Games start on July 25.

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