Double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes concluded her track career in Britain in the 800 metres at the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Sheffield.

Holmes, who won the 800m-1500m double in Athens last year, made her final appearance on a British track at the Don Valley Stadium and, although she could not go out with victory, completing two laps of the track was a triumph in itself.

A severe Achilles injury had prevented Holmes from competing since the Norwich Union International in Glasgow in June but she had displayed all her fighting qualities just to make it to the start line.

The 35-year-old had made a spectacular entrance at the start of the meet when she was flown into the stadium in an Army helicopter.

The 'Kellycopter' landed on the infield and Holmes emerged to greet the Union Jack-waving crowd in the Sheffield sunshine.

Pyrotechnics created an avenue of fire and Tina Turner's 'Simply The Best' was played over the tannoy with Sports Minister Richard Caborn and the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Roger Davison on hand to make a presentation.

Her opponents included Olympic heptathlon bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton, former world 1500m bronze medallist Hayley Tullett, Susan Scott, who set a season's best in Helsinki, and Helen Clitheroe, who made the final of the 1,500m in Finland.

Holmes took her familiar place near the back of the field at the bell poised to strike with Brigita Langerholc leading.

Holmes started to make her way through the field coming into the final straight but her lack of fitness was evident and she visibly tired to jog in eighth in two minutes 06.69 seconds.

Jenny Meadows won in 2mins 03.43secs with Scott second 2:03.77.

Holmes said: ''I gave it my best shot to 600m and I'm pretty pleased in the end but my Achilles was too bad at the bend, and there's no point fighting any more.

''The crowd were there behind me all the way and that was a really special thing. It was frustrating I couldn't run at top form but the crowd has been fantastic no matter what."

Asked whether she might still compete at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Holmes added: ''The thing is I need to get my leg sorted out and decide on a fresh mind rather than when I'm injured.

''I need to get the injury out of the way, be a 100 per cent fit and ready and then think 'do I want it or do I not?'.''

Teessider Chris Tomlinson didn't enjoy his long jump event.

Miguel Pate set a stadium record of 8.45m to win the long jump with British record holder Tomlinson seventh with a 7.82m jump.

Tomlinson said: ''I am disappointed. I came here more to work on my technique but at the same time most of the guys that beat me I normally beat.

''I need a good winter and then I can move up towards the 8.20m mark.''