GEMMA Bridge has pulled out of next month's European Championships after enduring an injury-plagued season.

The Oxford City athlete was yesterday named in Great Britain's 102-strong squad for the event in Berlin, Germany, which takes place from August 6-12.

But the 25-year-old, due to compete in the 20km race walk, has withdrawn.

Bridge, who has suffered with hamstring and knee issues over the last year, said she would not be fit enough to compete at a "standard that would do myself, my club or my country proud."

The Leeds Beckett University student twice achieved the qualifying standard for the European Championships.

But she has competed in only three 20k races this year, most recently at the RWA/UKA Championship in Leeds where she finished sixth – more than ten minutes behind her winning time from 2017.

Bridge said: “I have been battling with injury for the whole season, and although I am now well, I don't believe I am fit enough to compete in the Europeans at a standard that would do myself, my club or my country proud.

“It was not a decision that I took lightly, and if I thought I could race well then I certainly would.

“I have wished the team all the best of luck for the championships, and will now take the time to recover, and come back stronger for next season.”

Bridge, who finished fifth at this year’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia, added: “I have had a series of injuries.

“I developed hamstring tendinitis in October 2017 and since then I have been struggling to come back.

“A knee injury that began in May finished me off.

“I have seen specialist doctors and physiotherapists in an attempt to recover in time for the Europeans, but it was too soon unfortunately.”