LAURA WEIGHTMAN was forced to pull out of today’s 1,500m semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships after sustaining a head injury during yesterday’s heats.

Weightman, who is a member of Morpeth Harriers, tripped as she crossed the finishing line in her opening run in Beijing, and was briefly knocked out before leaving the track with blood pouring from her forehead.

She had hoped to compete in today’s semi-finals, which saw fellow Briton Laura Muir qualify for the final, but was forced to withdraw an hour or so before the start as she was still suffering from the after-effects of concussion.

The European and Commonwealth medallist travelled to the track, but was stood down on the advice of the British team’s medical staff.

“The decision was taken under medical advice,” said Weightman’s coach, Steve Cram. “She had a very bad fall and knocked herself out temporarily. Concussion is a serious issue in any sport.

“Laura felt a bit better when she woke up, and we were hoping to give her every opportunity to compete. But arriving at the track, she was in no state to do herself justice. She wanted to compete, but I think it’s in her best interests that she doesn’t run and we made that decision for her.

“She can’t remember the incident, but it looks like she clipped her foot. Sometimes, when you cross the line, you relax and can’t get your feet out from under you. She tried to get her hands out, but her head took the full brunt of the fall.”

Stockton sprinter Richard Kilty is focusing on the 4x100m relay after he finished in last position in his 100m semi-final.

Kilty, who is the reigning World and European indoor champion at 60m, clocked a time of 10.20secs as he failed to make the final of the individual event, but is hoping to claim a medal as part of Britain’s sprint relay squad.

“I’m disappointed with how I performed,” said Kilty. “It’s difficult to come back after an injury, and I’m still a little bit rusty. It’s definitely something to build on next year. I’m having to coach myself at the moment because I don’t have a full-time coach, and that’s not ideal.

“It’s a case of moving on to the relay now, and I’m looking forward to that massively. I’m going to link up with the rest of the lads in the relay and hopefully secure a medal there.”